May 1-31

National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

Breathe easy this National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month with tips, resources, and support to help you manage your symptoms.

Yearly Date
May 1
Type
Month
Category
Health

Introduction

Get ready to spread awareness and educate others about asthma and allergies this May 1, as we celebrate National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month! Did you know that over 24 million Americans suffer from asthma, while millions more are affected by allergies? This month is all about promoting understanding and support for those living with these conditions. From learning about triggers and prevention methods to supporting research efforts, there are many ways to get involved in raising awareness for these common health issues. So let's come together and make a positive impact during this important month!

National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month Timeline

1902
First Asthma Inhaler
Dr. George Piness introduced the first practical inhaler for asthma treatment, allowing less invasive care for patients.
1943
Allergy Testing Developed
Scientists developed the world’s first reliable allergy skin test, marking a turning point in diagnosis and treatment.
1953
Asthma and Allergy Foundation
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America was established to advocate for patients and promote research.
1984
HFA Inhalers Introduced
Hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) inhalers were introduced, providing a more environmentally friendly relief for asthmatic patients.
2007
First Asthma and Allergy Month
May was officially designated as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in the United States for the first time.
2019
Biologic Therapies
FDA approved multiple biologic therapies, providing new treatment options for severe asthma and allergy patients.

How to Celebrate National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

1

Organize a charity walk or run

Gather your friends, family, and community members to participate in a charity walk or run to raise awareness and funds for asthma and allergies. You can even create team t-shirts and have a post-event picnic or BBQ.

2

Host a educational seminar or workshop

Contact local health professionals to come speak about asthma and allergies, their causes, and how to manage them. You can also offer workshops on how to properly use an inhaler or administer an EpiPen.

3

Create an allergy-friendly recipe exchange

Invite friends and family to share their favorite allergy-friendly recipes. This is a great way to learn about new dishes and expand your cooking skills while also promoting allergy awareness.

4

Organize a community clean-up

Volunteer with a local organization to clean up parks, beaches, or other outdoor areas. This not only raises awareness for asthma and allergies but also helps create a cleaner environment for those affected by them.

5

Create an art exhibit or performance

Invite local artists and performers to showcase their work related to asthma and allergies. This can be a powerful way to raise awareness and start important conversations about these conditions.

Why National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month is Important

A

It raises awareness for a common health issue

Asthma and allergies affect millions of people worldwide and it's important to bring attention to the prevalence of these conditions and how they can impact daily life. National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month helps educate the public about symptoms, management, and treatment options.

B

It promotes understanding and empathy

For those who do not suffer from asthma or allergies, it can be difficult to understand the struggles and limitations that come with these conditions. By bringing awareness to the issues, we can foster empathy and support towards those who are affected.

C

It encourages individuals to take control of their health

National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month serves as a reminder for individuals with asthma or allergies to take an active role in managing their condition. This may include visiting a doctor for diagnosis, adjusting medication as needed, and making lifestyle changes to prevent triggers and symptoms.

National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday