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3 Ways Everyone Can Make a Difference on World Asthma Day

American Lung Association offers resources and underscores need to improve care for millions of people living with asthma

CHICAGO | May 2, 2023

Asthma is a very common life-long chronic lung disease that affects millions of children and adults in the U.S. Today on World Asthma Day, the American Lung Association encourages everyone to learn about asthma and take action to improve the lives of the more than 25 million Americans, including 4.2 million children, living with this lung disease. 

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of your lungs and it can start at any age. Asthma triggers can include respiratory infections, allergens like pets, irritants like wildfire smoke, exercise and emotions. Triggers can also include secondhand smoke, e-cigarette emissions and poor indoor or outdoor air quality.

“The American Lung Association has been a leader in helping people living with asthma for more than 100 years. We have comprehensive programs to help raise awareness and reduce asthma triggers in homes, schools and workplaces, fund the latest research into asthma treatments, and advocate for quality and affordable healthcare for all,” said Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “We have seen incredible progress over the years, and we will not stop until we eliminate the burden of asthma once and for all. Everyone deserves to breathe easy and live a long, healthy life.”

Everyone can play a part to improve asthma care in the U.S. On World Asthma Day and during Asthma Awareness Month, the American Lung Association invites everyone to:
  1. Learn more about asthma by visiting Lung.org/asthma-awareness or taking our free online class, Asthma Basics. Also, learn about Trends in Asthma Care such as new treatment options including  occasional use of inhaled corticosteroids, single maintenance and reliever therapy (SMART), and biologics, videos on how to use asthma medicines, and an interactive tool to help you talk to your doctor about your asthma. 
  2. Advocate for critical policies that will improve air quality for people with asthma, like setting stronger air pollution standards and urging your members of Congress to support increased funding for the CDC’s National Asthma Control Program so that more states can enact asthma programs proven to reduce the burden of asthma. See how you can get involved at Lung.org/Advocate.
  3. Support asthma research by donating to the American Lung Association at Lung.org/donate. The Lung Association funds the best and brightest scientists who are investigating new ways to improve the lives of people living with asthma. 

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

For more information, contact:

Jill Dale
312-940-7001
[email protected]

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