AAFAnoon Chats

In this episode, we talk about asthma management and control with Dr. William Anderson and Dr. Matthew Greenhawt. We discuss:

• What asthma is
• How to manage it
• Current inhaled treatment options
• Differences between quick relief medicines and controller medicines

Resources:

• Asthma Symptoms: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-symptoms/
• Asthma Treatment: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-treatment/
• How to Correctly Use Your Asthma Devic...

In this episode, Tamara Hubbard discusses mental health support and resources available to empower families managing food allergies. She discusses the social, mental, and relational impacts of food allergies on parents and children, as well as strategies to help families overcome these challenges.
Tamara is a licensed clinical professional counselor and family therapist.

Related resources:

• Mental Health Care Is Important for Peop...

Dr. Matthew Greenhawt, leading expert on food allergies, explains a recent study about a significant drop in peanut allergy diagnoses. The study covered by the media and got viral attention. But the reporting on the study is not entirely correct. The study notes that the drop in peanut allergy rates coincided with changes to feeding guidelines that now recommend early introduction of allergenic foods. However, there is not enough e...

In this episode, we talk about the latest research and guidelines for treating anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction. Drs. Matthew Greenhawt and Katherine Anagnostou explain:

• Symptoms of allergic reactions and what anaphylaxis means

• Why using epinephrine is important
• Why guidelines have evolved
• The research behind the first validated anaphylaxis action plan
• Details about how the plan provides a decision tree to help peo...

In this episode, we talk about managing allergies during the summer. Dr. Jeffrey Demain discusses common allergens seen during the summer such as stinging insects and pollen, and how people can protect themselves if they have bee allergy, ant allergy, or grass allergy.

Resources:

- AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies: https://aafa.org/join

- Bee Sting Allergies: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-alle...

In this episode, Naomi Seiler, JD talks about health policies and how they affect people’s access to affordable care and treatments for asthma and allergies. May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. This year’s theme is Make Asthma and Allergy Treatments Accessible for All.

Resources:

- Advocacy Action Center: aafa.org/advocacy

- Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month Information and Activities: aafa.org/awareness

- AAFA Online Support...

In this episode, Kathleen M. Buchheit, MD explains what nasal polyps are, why people with asthma or allergies have a greater chance of developing them, as well as treatment and management options currently available.

Resources:

- Nasal Polyps: aafa.org/nps

- A Guide to Nasal Polyps (PDF): aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/guide-to-managing-nasal-polyps.pdf

- Life with Nasal Polyps Report: aafa.org/nasalpolypslife

- AAFA’s Online Supp...

In this episode, Jenna Riemenschneider, AAFA’s Vice President of Advocacy and Policy, and Hannah Jaffee, AAFA’s Director of Research talk about allergies and our AllergyCapitals report. This report analyzes data from across the United States and ranks the 100 largest cities where it is challenging to live with allergies. The episode also highlights the impacts of climate change, tips to manage allergies, and steps communities can t...

In this episode, AAFA talks to Linda Nozart-Frierson, MPH, BSRT, RRT, AE-C about community health, asthma disparities, and the role of respiratory therapists. Linda shares her personal journey with asthma and emphasizes the importance of understanding the seriousness of the condition and advocating for better health outcomes. This episode highlights the need for better access to resources for communities with the highest rates and ...

In this episode, Jennifer Namazy, MD, talks about how pregnancy can affect asthma and the importance of managing asthma while pregnant. She discusses the importance of medicine, the RSV vaccine and the Breathe 4 Baby initiative. The episode also highlights the significance of education for both people with asthma and health care professionals.

Resources:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): aafa.org/RSV

- AAFA’s online support communit...

In this episode, Dr. Michael Pistiner and Dr. Amanda Cox talk about food allergies and severe allergic reactions in infants and toddlers. They discuss the definition and symptoms of anaphylaxis, the importance of recognizing signs in young children, and the latest research impacting management and treatment options. The conversation also highlights the emotional and social challenges faced by families and the need for support syste...

Neeta Ogden, MD explains steps you can take to protect your and your family's lung health during the asthma peak in September. AAFA released its 2024 Asthma Capitals report during the asthma peak to help raise awareness about the nationwide impacts of asthma.

For the full list of rankings, visit https://asthmacapitals.com

Learn more about the September Asthma peak at https://aafa.org/asthmapeak⁠ and for ongoing support to help you ma...

Every September, there is a spike in asthma-related ER visits and hospital stays. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America explains what causes this asthma peak and what to do to protect your and your family's lung health.

Melanie Carver, AAFA's Chief Mission Officer, talks about how fall seasonal allergies, extreme weather and fires, respiratory infections, and school building environments all influence the asthma peak this tim...