America Observes National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) declares May as "National Asthma and Allergy Month." The month-long public awareness program is officially recognized nationally by President George W. Bush.

Nearly one out of five (50 million) Americans suffers from allergies and more than six percent of Americans (17 million) suffer from asthma. Asthma and other allergic disorders are chronic diseases for which there is currently no cure. Each year during May -- a peak season for allergies -- physicians, patients, government health organizations and others join with AAFA to raise awareness about these serious health conditions.

Allergic disorders are characterized by a faulty immune system that overreacts to different allergens that people often inhale, ingest or touch. Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that causes shortness of breath, breathing trouble and other symptoms and is often triggered by a person's allergic reactions. In extreme cases, asthma attacks and certain allergic reactions can cause death.

Over the past 50 years, much has been done to help people manage these diseases, but asthma and allergies continue to cause severe limitations for people all year long. Research by AAFA found that asthma and allergies cost the U.S. economy more than $20 billion each year in terms of medical care,
lost productivity from 12 million school days missed and 12.5 million workdays missed, and the costs related to more than 5000 deaths per year.

"People with asthma or allergies feel limited because these diseases put up hurdles in their every-day lives," said Bill McLin, AAFA's executive director. "But if we can get people with these conditions more information about prevention and treatment, they can significantly improve their lives by removing many of the limits they face."

Source: AAFA