Asthma and allergies affect millions of children and adults in the United States. They can make everyday life harder. People may have trouble working, learning, playing, sleeping, or exercising when symptoms get worse. When the weather gets warmer and people go outside more, symptoms can get worse for some people. This is because of things in the air like pollen, mold, grass, and pollution. Learning about asthma and allergies can help people stay healthier all year.
Asthma is a long-term illness that affects the lungs and airways. When something triggers asthma, the airways can swell and make it hard to breathe.
Allergies happen when the body reacts to something that is usually harmless. These things are called allergens. Allergy symptoms can be mild, like sneezing or itchy eyes. Sometimes they can be serious and need medical care right away.
Asthma and allergies are very common in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says about 25 million Americans have asthma. That includes about 5 million children. Asthma is a common reason children miss school and adults miss work.
Allergies are even more common. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says over 100 million Americans deal with allergies each year. About 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 children have seasonal allergies.
In North Carolina and other states, many people live with asthma. Things like poor air quality, smoke, mold, and housing problems can make asthma worse for some communities.
Doctors have also seen more allergies over time, including food allergies and skin allergies. Scientists are still studying why this is happening. It may be related to air quality, environment, and other factors.
Because asthma and allergies are so common, doctors and public health workers focus on early diagnosis, education, and treatment. Getting help early can prevent emergency visits and help people feel better.
Asthma and allergies can happen at any age, but they often start in childhood.
Asthma is one of the most common long-term illnesses in children. Young children may not always explain how they feel.
Healthcare professionals recommend that parents watch out for asthma and allergy triggers so children can avoid them. Also, teach your child about their triggers so they grow up knowing which activities to avoid and to seek help when needed. If not treated, asthma and allergies can affect sleep, school, and daily activities.
Adults may have asthma or allergies that started when they were young. Others may develop them later in life. Triggers in adults are often similar to those experienced by children. Symptoms also may be similar to those experienced by children, but adults are more likely to ignore symptoms because of busy schedules. If left untreated, asthma and allergies can lead to missed work, poor sleep, and serious health problems.
Asthma and allergies can often be controlled with the right care. Doctors can help people:
People with asthma may use an asthma action plan. This plan explains what to do when symptoms get worse. Allergy testing can also help find what causes symptoms. For children, regular checkups help make sure treatments still work as they grow.
At Home
At School or Work
Outdoors
It is important to work with a doctor or healthcare team to manage allergies and asthma. You can talk about:
Parents should also share care plans with schools and caregivers so that they know what to do in case of an emergency.
Trillium is here to help our members’ physical health. We can help you with resources to access treatment for asthma and allergies for you or your child. This may include:
With the right care and support, children and adults can manage asthma and allergies to live active, healthy lives. For help or more information, talk to your Tailored Care Manager.
Members and their families can participate in Trillium’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program to better assist themselves, their child, or loved ones living with asthma and other chronic illnesses.
Trillium also has an online learning opportunity on the topic of Asthma in My Learning Campus. Trillium also includes an Asthma Medication Refill incentive on our Member Incentive Plan.
At Trillium, we believe that support, education, and preventive care can make a meaningful difference in helping individuals and families manage asthma and allergies throughout the year.
This blog is for educational purposes only. Please speak to your doctor about any health concerns.