- About
About
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1953, is the leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, and the oldest asthma and allergy patient group in the world.
- Asthma
Asthma
Nearly 28 million people in the United States have asthma. The best way to manage asthma is to avoid triggers, take medications to prevent symptoms, and prepare to treat asthma episodes if they occur.
- Allergies
Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common chronic diseases. An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts to it. The substances that cause allergic reactions are allergens.
- Programs
Programs
AAFA offers a variety of educational programs, resources and tools for patients, caregivers, and health professionals. AAFA launches educational awareness campaigns throughout the year. We teach the general public about asthma and allergic diseases.
- Research and Reports
Research and Reports
Research is an important part of our pursuit of better health. Through research, we gain better understanding of illnesses and diseases, new medicines, ways to improve quality of life and cures. AAFA conducts and promotes research for asthma and allergic diseases.
- Advocacy
Advocacy
AAFA works to support public policies that will benefit people with asthma and allergies. Advocacy and public policy work are important for protecting the health and safety of those with asthma and allergies. We advocate for federal and state legislation as well as regulatory actions that will help you.
- Get Involved
Get Involved
There are several ways you can support AAFA in its mission to provide education and support to patients and families living with asthma and allergies. You can make a donation, fundraise for AAFA, take action in May for Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and join a community to get the help and support you need.
- News
News
AAFA can connect you to all of the information and resources you need to help you learn more about asthma and allergic diseases.
- Donate
- Get Support
- Join the Community
- Login
- Blog
- Media
Research and Reports
Atopic Dermatitis in America
The study finds that AD occurs in 7.3% of adults in the U.S. Of those affected with the disease, about 40% have moderate or severe symptoms.
The purpose of the study, titledAtopic Dermatitis in America, was to:
- Establish the prevalence of AD in the U.S. adult population
- Determine the distribution of AD disease severity among adults
- Understand the burden of disease for adults with AD
The study included three survey populations:
- The general public (“Public Survey”)
- Adults with AD (“Patient Survey”)
- Health care professionals who care for patients with AD (“Physician Survey”)
About Atopic Dermatitis
AD is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease which results in widespread rashes and patches of itchy skin, most commonly around the neck, face and eyes in adults. It is uniquely and strongly associated with an individual or family history of asthma, hay fever, food allergy and/or other allergic diseases. The most common form of eczema, AD leads to significant emotional burden in addition to pain, physical discomfort and sleep disturbance for 16.5 million adults in the U.S.
There is no cure for AD, and many people have troubling controlling it. While there are many medical and non-medical treatments used to manage AD, they are not all effective. The treatments can be inconvenient and may cause toxic side effects. As a result, many with AD fail to seek and comply with medical treatment.
AAFA's Commitment to Racial Justice
Over the past 15 years, there have been moderate advances in U.S. public policy, health care and research, but racial gaps in asthma outcomes have not changed. Minority groups continue to bear disproportionate hardship in managing asthma.
Allergy Capitals
Your location can have an impact on your seasonal allergies. AAFA’s Allergy Capitals™ report looks at the top 100 most challenging cities in the continental United States to live with seasonal pollen allergies.
