With every cough or sniffle, you may wonder if it’s asthma or allergies, the flu, respiratory syncytial [sin-SISH-uhl] virus (RSV), the common cold, or even COVID-19. But how can you tell the difference? The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) created a respiratory symptoms chart to help you recognize the similarities and differences between these conditions. Click to see larger image (English) Click to see larger image (Spanish) Asthma Symptoms Asthma is a chronic disease that...

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2 (a type of coronavirus). It causes respiratory symptoms, but it can also affect other parts of your body. COVID-19 spreads through close contact from person to person. A person with the virus can spread it to others by talking, coughing, sneezing, singing, or breathing. The virus will be in large or small droplets that are exhaled from the mouth or nose out into the air. If you are within 6 feet (2 meters) of someone who is ill with...

Join us for a free, on-demand webinar on how and why nasal polyps impact sense of smell. Smell and Nasal Polyps: Your Questions Answered WATCH ON DEMAND During the webinar, you’ll learn about: How loss of smell affects quality of life, mood, appetite, and safety The link between loss of smell and nasal-polyp severity Treatment options for nasal polyps If the loss of smell could better with treatment If treatments for nasal polyps improve sense of smell How different treatments like biologics...

Welcome to our November research update! Getting involved with research is an important way to impact asthma and allergy treatments, education, and awareness. This month, we are highlighting clinical trials, surveys, and news on: Potential asthma treatments The impact of environment on asthma Moderate to severe eczema in children Differences in COVID-19 outcomes based on asthma type Study on tezepelumab for nasal polyps Impact of corticosteroid use in people with nasal polyps Note: The links...

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common medical condition that affects 5-12% of adults. 1 Around 20 to 30% of people with chronic rhinosinusitis have nasal polyps . 2,3 Nasal polyps associated with type 2 inflammation , which is also linked to asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), atopic dermatitis (eczema), food allergies, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). 4 Nasal polyps can have a major impact on quality of life. They can affect sleep, the ability to do daily activities, and cause anxiety and...

If you’re on Medicare, a new program will be available in 2025 that might make it easier to pay for your medicines. It’s called the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan . What Is the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan? The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is a program that lets you spread out your estimated out-of-pocket drug costs throughout the year. If you have a Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan, you have the option to sign up for the program starting on Jan. 1, 2025. The...

Each year, usually in the fall, you have the chance to change or sign up for health insurance coverage. Here is a review of what you need to know in order to enroll in a plan, whether you are getting insured for the first time, or are switching plans. RELATED CONTENT Health Insurance Marketplace Guide for Asthma and Allergies for 2025 What Are Open Enrollment Terms I Need to Know? When you review your options for health insurance, there are some terms you need to know so you can make the...

If you have asthma or allergies, c osts for m edicines, lab tests, lung function tests , and visits to see a specialist all add up. Health insurance can help with some of these costs. What do you need to know about your insurance options during open enrollment this year? Open enrollment refers to when you can add, change , or switch health insurance plans . For people who get health insurance through work, your employer and the insurance company set the dates for open enrollment periods.

Welcome to our October research update! Getting involved with research is an important way to impact asthma and allergy treatments, education, and awareness. This month, we are highlighting clinical trials, surveys, and news on: New treatment options for eczema, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), and nasal polyps The impact of climate change and environment on asthma and allergies Safety of...

Eczema is a group of chronic skin conditions that cause your skin to become inflamed, dry, itchy, and irritated. The rash can be a different color than your normal skin tone. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common type of eczema. If you or a family member has asthma and allergies, you have a higher chance of having AD. It affects nearly 10 million children and 17 million adults in the United States. Living with AD can be challenging. Many people living with AD report symptoms like sore...

After a natural disaster with flooding, people with asthma and allergies need to take extra precautions as they begin cleanup efforts. Long after waters have receded, flood waters can leave behind chemicals, bacteria, viruses and mold. These can create long-term health issues if you have asthma and allergies. Mold is one of the biggest concerns after a flood. Mold, a fungus, can grow in any damp environment. It is different from plants or animals in how it reproduces and grows. The “seeds,”...

Many factors can affect your child’s health and how well they perform in school. Did you know indoor air quality is one of them? 1 But most public schools in the U.S. have polluted indoor air , exposing children and staff to asthma triggers. This may result in asthma that is hard to control, poor school performance, and missed school and workdays. Why is indoor air quality such an issue in schools? There are a few reasons. Why Many Schools Have Poor Indoor Air Quality Several factors can...

Did you know people spend as much as 90% of their time inside their homes, offices, schools, and cars? 1 For people with allergies and asthma , air quality is important both indoors and out. What Impacts Your Indoor Air Quality? Air quality is a measure of gases and small particles in the air that can be harmful to your lungs. Air pollution is when particles or gases that are not normally part of the air affect the air quality. Air pollution can happen indoors when items in your home release...

Many skin conditions can look similar, so it can be hard to tell the difference. And some conditions, such as eczema , can appear and behave differently for each person. Getting the right diagnosis is important so you can manage it and feel better in your skin. What Is Eczema? Eczema is a group of chronic skin conditions that cause your skin to become inflamed, dry, itchy, red, and irritated. There are several types of eczema and most of them are connected to allergies. Atopic dermatitis is...

Navigating the world of biologics can be complicated. But it doesn't have to be! If you’ve tried treatments for your asthma, food allergies, eczema, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), or nasal polyps without success and wonder if biologics are right for you, watch our latest webinar on biologics. Jessica Peck DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, FAANP, FAAN, and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) presented information on biologics for several allergic conditions. Watch on YouTube In...

We are currently in the peak of hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to Nov. 31. While preparing for a possible storm, people with asthma need to take extra precautions to reduce chances of an asthma episode or attack. Be Ready to Evacuate or Be Without Power Hurricanes, even tropical storms, could mean you have to evacuate depending on where you live. And if you shelter in place, there's a good chance you could be without power for days if the storm comes your way. In the days following...

Welcome to our September research update! Getting involved with research is an important way to impact asthma and allergy treatments, education, and awareness. This month, we are highlighting clinical trials, surveys, and news on: Asthma Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) Impacts of nasal allergies on work productivity Flu and COVID-19 vaccine rates among people with asthma Mental health impact of eczema in children and teens Note: The links below will take you to external websites. Asthma...

AAFA is pushing to lower the costs of asthma and allergy medicines, including inhalers. We know the high cost of medicine can be a barrier to treatment. Some major asthma inhaler manufacturers have announced $35 a month caps on out-of-pocket costs. The price cap will apply to people with commercial/private insurance or no insurance. The inhalers that will be price capped include: AstraZeneca (effective June 1, 2024): AIRSUPRA® (albuterol and budesonide) inhalation aerosol BEVESPI AEROSPHERE®...

Ragweed pollen allergy is a major cause of seasonal allergies, also known as “hay fever.” Its light pollen easily spreads far and wide, triggering nasal allergies and allergic asthma in its path. If you have a ragweed pollen allergy, it helps to know what you are up against. If you live in the U.S., you probably feel the effects of ragweed pollen in the late summer and fall. Here are some things you may not know about ragweed. Ragweed Season Peaks in Mid-September Ragweed starts pollinating...

AAFA’s 2024 Asthma Capitals™ Report Highlights the Most Challenging Places in the U.S. to Live with Asthma The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released the 2024 Asthma Capitals report . This report shows how location may impact asthma in cities across the contiguous (“lower 48”) United States. It analyzes data from the 100 largest cities in the U.S. to identify the most challenging places to live with asthma. Why is this report important? Where you live can impact your...