#United States #Fairfax #Health Equity #Allergy Asthma Network #asthma control

Allergy & Asthma Network Unveils 'Control Your Asthma' Campaign

In an important step toward enhancing public awareness and management of asthma, the Allergy & Asthma Network has launched a new initiative called 'Control Your Asthma.' This campaign is designed to educate and empower individuals, especially during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. The initiative features a series of impactful public service announcements (PSAs) broadcasted on television and radio, meant to illuminate the crucial aspects of effective asthma management.

The CEO of the Allergy & Asthma Network, Lynda Mitchell, stated, "Asthma control should never be guesswork. Our PSAs equip families with the necessary tools to identify warning signs early and take informed action. With a better understanding of effective asthma management, individuals can breathe easier and lead more fulfilling lives."

Asthma affects over 28 million individuals across the United States, many of whom unknowingly experience symptoms indicating poor control. Symptoms such as recurrent coughing, wheezing, the excessive use of quick-relief inhalers, and nighttime awakening due to breathing issues are often misinterpreted as common occurrences. However, these signs are critical indicators that asthma management requires attention. When left unmanaged, these symptoms can lead to severe health repercussions, including increased emergency room visits, necessary hospitalizations, or even death, much of which can be prevented with appropriate care.

Moreover, asthma does not affect all communities equally. There is a significant disparity in the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms, particularly in African American and Hispanic demographics. Ignoring the needs of these communities poses a challenge in providing necessary education and accessible healthcare resources. Expanding awareness initiatives is vital to help families identify symptoms earlier and understand their options for treatment.

The new campaign's PSAs feature reputable specialists in the field, including Dr. Cherie Zachary, President of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Dr. Carla Davis, President of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; and Dr. Juanita Mora, allergist and CEO of the Chicago Allergy Center.

Dr. Mora emphasized, "I frequently encounter patients whose asthma can be improved with clearer guidelines and access to the right resources. These PSAs assist families in recognizing when symptoms are not normal, pushing them to seek specialized care before their condition worsens."

The PSAs serve as a guide, helping patients and their caregivers understand when asthma symptoms indicate the need for more effective management. They encourage viewers to engage with allergy and asthma specialists and access resources through ControlYourAsthma.org or ControlarTuAsma.org for credible information.

For media outlets interested in airing these PSAs, full sets of downloadable materials are available in both English and Spanish at the following links:

• - English PSA
• - Spanish PSA

About Allergy & Asthma Network

Founded in 1985, the Allergy & Asthma Network stands as a crucial nonprofit organization dedicated to outreach, education, advocacy, and research for those living with asthma, allergies, and similar health challenges. Their mission is clear: to foster patient-centered research and advocate for improved outcomes in access to care, education, and treatments that elevate health and quality of life. Their work aims to simplify and share medically accurate information, promote evidence-based practice, and encourage collaboration amongst patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, and policy makers. More information can be found at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.