September Asthma Peak Ahead

Several factors contribute to this September Asthma Peak. Ragweed pollen, the most common fall pollen allergy, is peaking. Mold counts go up as leaves collect outside. Children return to school and may catch respiratory infections that then spread to families and the community. Extreme weather and wildfires also impact lung health.

Here’s what you can do to prepare:

• Visit your doctor or asthma specialist to review your symptoms and medicines

• Monitor your symptoms and follow your Asthma Action Plan

• Get updated vaccines for respiratory infections such as the flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumonia

• Manage your allergies and your indoor air quality

• Wear a mask in crowded places, wash your hands often, and stay away from sick people as much as possible

• Get rest, water, and healthy food 
  
  

Take Action for Healthier Schools

Students are healthier and learn better when their indoor air is cleaner. When children don’t have asthma symptoms triggered by poor air quality, they are more likely to focus, engage, and excel at school. 

On July 25, 2024, Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act (H.R. 9131). This bipartisan bill aims to improve school environments for children to learn and grow safely. 

Asthma is responsible for nearly 14 million missed days of school each year. This legislation takes action to improve indoor air quality in schools. The bill calls for a report on the current state of indoor air quality in schools and child care centers. It also offers guidance to make these buildings healthier. 

Take action today to urge your member of Congress to support this bill to promote healthier schools.  

Your donation helps support our work to improve health outcomes for people with asthma and allergies. 

RESEARCH NEWS

Our August 2024 research update includes summaries on current clinical trials, surveys, and study outcomes on the following topics: 

Asthma 

• Study Explores the Impact of Health Insurance Coverage Loss During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among People with Asthma 

• Impact of Industry and Occupation on the Burden of Asthma in the United States 

• Home and School Pollutant Exposure, Respiratory Outcomes, and Influence of Historical Redlining 

Chronic Hives 

• Celldex Therapeutics Presents Positive Topline Results from Barzolvolimab Phase 2 Study in Chronic Inducible Urticaria 

To learn more about this month’s asthma and allergy news, visit our blog. 

CLINICAL TRIALS

Do You or Your Child Have Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES)?

The NATRON study is now enrolling patients 12 and older. 
 
Those who qualify may receive: 

• Study-related care from local doctors at no cost 

• Study medication at no cost 

• Reimbursement for reasonable trial-related travel expenses 

There is no obligation, so answer a few questions now to see if you or your child may qualify to participate.

                                             ANSWER QUESTIONS NOW

Sponsored by AstraZeneca

 

Are You Currently Taking Oral Corticosteroids (OCS) for Your Asthma? 

Would you like to contribute to important new research? SUNRISE is a clinical study investigating whether a new biologic treatment called tezepelumab may help to reduce or remove the need for OCS in adults with severe asthma. The study is looking for people who: 

• Are between 18 and 80 years of age 

• Have had an asthma diagnosis for at least 1 year 

• Have been taking OCS for asthma for at least 6 months 

• Have been using inhaled corticosteroids for at least a year, and a long-acting beta 2-agonist (LABA) for at least 3 months 

• Have not been receiving any biologic treatment for asthma for at least 4 months 

Sponsored by AstraZeneca 
 

Does Your Child Have Uncontrolled Hives? 

There is a new clinical trial testing a medicine called dupilumab to see if it can safely help children ages 2-11 years old with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). CSU is marked by the appearance of itchy hives. 

Sponsored by Sanofi 

SURVEYS

Share Your Experiences Living with CSU (Chronic Hives) 

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is leading a study to learn more about the experiences of people living with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). If you have CSU, or are a caregiver to someone with CSU, we invite you to participate in this research survey. 

Your insights will help us guide educational content and programmatic resources around CSU. The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete.  

INTERVIEWS AND FOCUS GROUPS

Participants Needed for Asthma Focus Groups 

AAFA, in partnership with PlatformQ Patient Education (PPE), is looking for people who manage mild to moderate asthma to take part in a focus group. The focus group will give you a chance to share your firsthand experiences and needs while managing asthma. Information learned from this focus group will help AAFA and PPE improve our education. 

The time commitment will be about 2 hours. If selected for the focus group, you will be compensated for your time. If you would like to participate in the focus group, please take this quick survey to see if you qualify. 

CME OPPORTUNITIES

Health care providers, watch these new continuing medical education (CME) programs on pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) and nasal polyps management! Earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ by watching these programs on demand.    

Caring for the Littles with Atopic Dermatitis: Clinical-Caregiver Collaboration 

Experts discuss real-world cases of AD in infants and young children, treatment decisions based on guidelines recommendations, and recent evidence-based research. You will learn more about managing AD in children, the impact of current treatment options, and updates from clinical trials on new treatments.

                                                   

Expert Interview and Short Modules Series: Emerging Topics in Nasal Polyps Management 

Experts discuss how a holistic approach to management of moderate to severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is essential to improving patient-important outcomes including sense of smell, sleep, quality of life, comorbidities, and cognitive function. 

                                                    

Did You Miss Our Previous Issue?

Check out our most recent issue for news on epinephrine nasal spray, the impact of weather on allergies, and tips on controlling your asthma.  

                                             READ THE PREVIOUS ISSUE 

Thank you for your continued support.
Visit aafa.org and kidswithfoodallergies.org.