Did you know?

Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children²
Asthma affects an estimated 262 million people worldwide²
Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States (U.S.) with an annual cost in excess of $18 billion³
More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year³

What is asthma?

Asthma is a common noncommunicable lung condition that causes sporadic breathing difficulties and affects children and adults. According to the World Health Organization, “Asthma is by the swelling and narrowing of the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs.”⁴

What causes asthma?

It is often difficult to find a direct cause but many factor can contribute to an increased risk of developing asthma:

It is more likely if other family members also have asthma⁴
It is more likely in people who have other allergic conditions, such as eczema and hay fever⁴
Events in early life affect the developing lungs and can increase the risk of asthma⁴
Exposure to a range of environmental allergens and irritants are also thought to increase the risk of asthma⁴
Children and adults who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of asthma⁴

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Common symptoms include:

Breathlessness⁴
Coughing⁴
Wheezing⁴
Chest Tightness⁵
Shortness of breath⁵

The severity and frequency of the symptoms vary from person-to-person, and for some, become worse during physical activity and at night.⁴

An asthma attack happens when symptoms get significantly worse. Asthma attacks can be fatal but are largely preventable and manageable. If a person appears to be having an asthma attack they should sit up straight and take slow, regular breaths (ideally using a spacer), and take regular breaths from their inhaler, as per their treatment plan instructions. If possible, a medical provider should be contacted immediately.⁴

What are the triggers for asthma?

Asthma triggers vary from person to person, but can include:

Viral infections (colds)²
Dust²
Smoke²
Fumes²
Changes in the weather²
Grass and tree pollen²
Animal fur and feathers²
Strong soaps²
Perfume²
Exercise⁶
Medicines⁶
Hormones⁶

What Is an Allergy?

An allergy is when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, called an allergen. It could be something you eat, inhale into your lungs, inject into your body, or touch.

How do seasonal allergies affect asthma?

With asthma, symptoms can get worse during allergy season. That’s because the immune system sees allergens, like pollen or dust, as harmful. In response, the body releases a substance called immunoglobulin E (or IgE) to attack it. However, too much IgE can cause swelling in the airways, making it harder to breathe and possibly triggering an asthma attack.⁷

What can I do to help with seasonal allergies?⁷

While there are certain things that can’t be controlled, like the weather, there is no need to suffer through allergy season. Here are some quick tips:

Limit exposure to allergens by keeping windows and doors shut at home
Stay inside during mid-day to afternoon hours, when the pollen count is at its peak
Monitor daily pollen counts to avoid certain exposure
Wear a mask when doing outdoor chores, such as mowing the lawn, and always shower afterward

If you have questions about asthma or allergies contact your health care provider for advice and support.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, May Is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, https://www.aafa.org/asthma-and-allergy-awareness-month/. Updated April 2022
World Health Organization, Asthma, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma. Updated May 11, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Allergies, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/allergies.htm Last reviewed February 1, 2023
World Health Organization, Chronic respiratory diseases: asthma, https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/chronic-respiratory-diseases-asthma. Updated: May 3, 2021.
Cigna, Monitoring Asthma Treatment, https://www.cigna.com/knowledge-center/hw/monitoring-asthma-treatment-uf4624abc. Updated March 9, 2022.
Cigna, Asthma: Identifying Your Triggers, https://www.cigna.com/knowledge-center/hw/medical-topics/asthma-aa6768. Updated March 9, 2022.
Express Scripts, Tips for surviving seasonal allergies with asthma, https://www.express-scripts.com/pharmacy/blog/surviving-seasonal-allergies-with-asthma. Updated April 5, 2022.

This information is for educational purposes only. It's not medical advice. Always consult with your health care provider for appropriate examinations, treatment and health care recommendations.

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