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National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month – May 2024

National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month is observed in May every year. This month is set aside to raise awareness about asthma and allergies and the realities of these conditions. May was chosen as National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month as it is the peak season for people with these conditions when the pollen in the air triggers attacks and affects their health. This awareness month aims to raise awareness among people who suffer from these diseases as well as their parents, relatives, co-workers, and friends so everyone can be prepared to assist.

History of National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month

National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month is celebrated across the country in May every year. The month aims to dispel myths about asthma and allergies, highlight the severity of these reactions, and explain how people can help. The events of this month are organized by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. They decided on the month of May as this is the month when the presence of pollen in the air aggravates conditions like asthma and allergies.

Asthma is an inflammatory disease that impacts the lungs, with symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The condition may be aggravated with exercise or at night, with a drop in temperature. While genetics has a role to play in asthma, environmental factors also influence the condition. These include exposure to air pollutants and allergens which irritate the lungs. The disease is lifelong and chronic, with no known cure, but is easily treatable. Allergies are caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system with symptoms ranging from wheezing and runny noses, rashes, shortness of breath, swelling, and red eyes. Pollen is one of the most common allergens. Allergic reactions can trigger or aggravate conditions like asthma, especially in peak season when pollen is in the air like May. The number of people with allergic conditions is increasing every year.

In Australian and South African universities there is research that isolates the T-cells that cause the reaction to the proteins in allergens in inhalation allergies. It just has to be tested on humans which will occur soon. New asthma treatments are also helping most (90%) patients, which is very encouraging.

National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month timeline

1350 B.C.
Asthma is Recognized by Egyptian Perfumers

Asthma is recognized as a disease by perfumers in the kingdoms of Ancient Egypt.

1906 A.D.
Allergy is Used As a Medical Term

Austrian scientist and pediatrician Clemens von Pirquet uses the term allergy to describe specific immune system reactions that he observes.

1960s
Rates of Asthma Increase

The rate of people, particularly children, is on the rise with the increase in air pollution.

1967
Antibody Class Discovered

Two independent research groups discover the antibody class immunoglobulin E which transforms the understanding of allergy mechanics.

2018
Scientific Breakthrough

A breakthrough discovery lowers the allergic inflammation reaction in mice, and research continues.

National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month FAQs

What color is associated with asthma awareness?

Grey is associated with asthma awareness. Grey ribbon clothing and awareness merchandise helps awareness and raises funds.

Can you control asthma?

Asthma has no known cure. It can be controlled to prevent or reduced.

Is asthma an autoimmune disease?

Asthma is not an autoimmune disease. It should be taken seriously because ten people a day die from it in the U.S.

How to Observe National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month

  1. Share information about the conditions

    Sharing information about the causes and symptoms of these conditions is essential. When people have information, they can ensure that they or their loved ones are getting the help they need.

  2. Wear the awareness bracelets

    The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America manufactures bracelets and T-shirts. Wearing these is a great way of showing your support. It helps raise awareness and funds.

  3. Host a fundraiser

    There is no cure for people suffering from asthma and allergies, so research is crucial. Help researchers find a cure by fundraising to support their work.

5 Facts About Asthma That Will Surprise You

  1. Many Americans have asthma

    About 8.3% of the population of America has asthma, with the majority being adults.

  2. It’s the most common childhood chronic illness

    Asthma manifests in childhood and is the most common chronic illness found among children.

  3. It is hereditary

    While environmental factors can trigger it, the majority of asthma conditions are hereditary.

  4. Extreme weather can aggravate asthma

    Extreme weather that is too cold, too wet, or too dry can trigger an asthma attack.

  5. Allergists can treat asthma

    Allergists are the specialists who have the most experience treating asthma.

Why National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month is Important

  1. We want people to be informed

    We think that people are ill-informed about asthma and allergies, and how serious these conditions can be. We want to make sure that people are aware of getting help.

  2. We want to support patients

    We want to know how to help people who have a severe allergic or asthma attack. We don’t want people to suffer if we can help it.

  3. We want to help find a cure

    We know that these conditions are treatable, but people deserve to be cured. We want to help raise funds for researchers who are looking for a cure.

National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month dates

YearDateDay
2024May 1Wednesday
2025May 1Thursday
2026May 1Friday
2027May 1Saturday
2028May 1Monday
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