Your Guide to Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month
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1 min read
TL;DR Summary: May is Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month—a time to educate, reduce triggers, and improve air quality for millions affected. Learn how to manage symptoms, avoid common allergens, and support awareness efforts to help yourself and others breathe easier.
Every May, Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month shines an important spotlight on two conditions that affect millions worldwide. With allergy season in full swing and asthma triggers lurking throughout our everyday environments, there’s no better time to get informed and take action to breathe a little easier.
Here’s your quick and handy guide to understanding the importance of Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month and what you can do to keep your air fresh.
1. Why Allergy and Asthma Awareness Matters
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma affects around 25 million Americans while about 50 million people in the U.S. live with allergies (AAFA, 2024). These conditions can range from mild to life-threatening, with triggers like pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and air pollution playing a significant role.
The goal of Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month is simple: to empower people with knowledge and tools to manage their symptoms, reduce risks, and advocate for environments with cleaner air (EPA, 2024).
2. Common Triggers to Watch Out For
We all love spring. It brings sunshine and beauty, with the downside of ramping up common allergens that can aggravate both asthma and allergy sufferers. The key offenders include:
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
Dust mites and household dust
Mold spores
Air pollution and smoke
Taking stock and recognizing your specific triggers can be crucial to managing symptoms effectively (EPA, 2024). Simply put, if you find yourself sensitive to any of these irritants, it’s best to try and avoid them when possible.
3. Tips to Reduce Exposure
Reducing exposure to allergens and irritants can make a world of difference in managing asthma and allergies. Here are some practical steps recommended by the AAFA and Allergy & Asthma Network:
Stay indoors during peak pollen times (typically early mornings and windy days)
Wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites
Keep windows closed during high pollen days
Use a dehumidifier to control indoor humidity and reduce mold growth
Regularly bathe pets to minimize dander
Vacuum often to clean up excess dust (AAFA, 2024; Allergy & Asthma Network, 2024)
4. Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
We spend most of our time indoors, yet indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air (EPA, 2024). For people with asthma and allergies, that’s a big deal. What’s supposed to be a haven free of allergens can sometimes turn into an irritating air nightmare.
Improving indoor air quality is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from triggers. This is where trusted brands like Levoit step in. Levoit’s advanced air purifiers are equipped to capture 99.97% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores, making them a powerful ally in the fight for cleaner air at home.
5. Advocate and Educate
Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month also focuses on spreading the word about these conditions and supporting those who suffer from them in your community. The AAFA encourages people to wear blue, share their stories online using hashtags like #AsthmaAwareness and #AllergyAwareness, and educate friends and family on how these conditions affect them (AAFA, 2024).
Want to get even more involved? You can participate in local and virtual events to help raise funds and awareness for continued research and patient support.
6. When to See a Doctor
Even with the best at-home strategies, it’s essential to know when professional help is needed. According to the Allergy & Asthma Network (2024), if you begin to experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a healthcare provider:
Persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
Frequent sinus infections or congestion
Severe reactions like anaphylaxis
Fun Facts & Quick Tips:
Did you know? Pollen counts tend to peak between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. If you’re looking for a great excuse to cancel that early morning hike or a reason to schedule indoor activities during that time, look no further (AAFA, 2024).
Saline nasal sprays can help rinse allergens out of your nasal passages after spending time outdoors, plus, they’re refreshing (Allergy & Asthma Network, 2024).
Air purifiers placed in bedrooms and living areas tend to be the most effective, as we spend the majority of our indoor time in these spaces.
The Takeaway
Whether you or a loved one are managing asthma, allergies, or both, Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month is the perfect reminder to stay vigilant, proactive, and informed. With the right strategies, and a little help from smart tools like Levoit air purifiers, you can breathe easier, live well, and make every month feel like a wisp of fresh air.
What is Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month?
It's a national observance each May to raise awareness about allergies and asthma, promote prevention strategies, and support those affected.
Why is this month important?
It highlights the serious impact of asthma and allergies, which affect over 70 million Americans, and encourages education, prevention, and cleaner air.
What are common allergy and asthma triggers?
Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and air pollution.
How can I reduce exposure to allergens?
Stay indoors during high pollen times, wash bedding often, use air purifiers, bathe pets regularly, and vacuum frequently.
What role does indoor air quality play?
Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. Improving it with air purifiers and humidity control can significantly reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
How can I support awareness this month?
Wear blue, share your story online, educate others, and participate in local or virtual events hosted by groups like the AAFA.
