The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has declared May to be &ldquo;National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.&rdquo; It also happens to be peak season for people with asthma and allergies.
What is asthma? 
Asthma is a lung condition that causes sporadic breathing difficulties and affects children and adults. According to the World Health Organization, &ldquo;Asthma is caused by the swelling and narrowing of the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs.&rdquo;&nbsp;
What are the symptoms of asthma? 
Common symptoms include:
<ul>
 <li>Breathlessness</li>
 <li>Coughing</li>
 <li>Wheezing</li>
 <li>Chest tightness</li>
 <li>Shortness of breath</li>
</ul>
The severity and frequency of the symptoms vary from person to person and for some, become worse during physical activity and at night.
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. The immune system sees allergens, like pollen or dust, as harmful. In response, the body releases an 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.
What can I do to help with seasonal allergies? 
While certain things can&rsquo;t be controlled, like the weather, there is no need to suffer through allergy season. Here are some quick tips:
<ul>
 <li>Limit exposure to allergens by keeping windows and doors shut at home</li>
 <li>Stay inside during mid-day to afternoon hours, when the pollen count is at its peak</li>
 <li>Monitor daily pollen counts to avoid certain exposure</li>
 <li>Wear a mask when doing outdoor chores, such as mowing the lawn, and always shower afterward</li>
</ul>
AAFA highlights ways people with asthma and allergies can <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://aafa.org/31-days-of-action-during-asthma-and-allergy-awareness-month/" target="_blank">breathe easier in May</a> and beyond.
If you have questions about asthma or allergies, contact your healthcare provider for advice and support.
Need help finding a doctor? Visit <a href="https://www.azblue.com/">azblue.com</a> and click the Find Care option to search for an in-network provider.

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

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May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month