AANMA survey details the impact of asthma and allergies on patients and their families

Mar 18 2011

Today Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) released a first-of-its-kind survey detailing the impact of asthma and allergies on the people who cope with it every day. The survey confirms what many already know: asthma and allergies disrupt daily lives, not only for patients but their families as well. AANMA published the Impact of Asthma Survey results in the spring issue of its award-winning magazine, Allergy & Asthma Today, and on their website, www.aanma.org.

Nancy Sander, President and Founder of AANMA, says, "Survey results show we have a long way to go to transform asthma care and create a better future for generations of people with asthma. Proven best practices such as completion of a proactive asthma action plan are still not widely adopted, and uncertainty is a major force in the lives of patients and their families."

AANMA publicized the survey through its publications, website and social media channels as well as community coalitions and clinics. The online survey was taken by 409 people and points to the significance of asthma and how patients and their families cope.

• Life on the Edge. 43 percent made at least one trip to the emergency department; 19 percent had one or more hospitalizations; 15 percent experienced a near-fatal asthma episode over the past year. 
• Allergy Testing. NIH Asthma Guidelines recommend finding the root cause of symptoms; 80 percent have had allergy testing.
• Asthma Action Plan. The Guidelines say all patients with asthma should have a written Asthma Action Plan; 37 percent don't have one. 
• Not One-Size-Fits-All. Respondents' challenges include: inability to afford medications; problems getting prescriptions filled; missed school and work days; and frustration with others not understanding asthma.

"Asthma is a constant factor, to be considered every single hour of every day," one person wrote. "Integrating its effects and the fact of my child having a disability is difficult, emotionally taxing and expensive." 

Stuart Stoloff, MD, chairman of the AANMA Board of Directors says, "Right now we have the knowledge to control and prevent asthma symptoms. Unfortunately, people are still dying of asthma, and survey results demonstrate that families continue to struggle. Healthcare costs both direct and indirect are a significant burden on our healthcare system. It's time to change this landscape – and AANMA's goal is to lead this change."

To increase awareness, AANMA is displaying a video on the CBS Super Screen in Times Square this spring showing the many faces of asthma and allergies – young and old, at home, play and work. Sander adds, "Our message in Times Square is consistent with our mission: Asthma and allergies affect us all – our children, students, friends and co-workers.  Asthma and allergies are serious."

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), which represents allergists, co-sponsors the video. "Asthma and allergies are complex conditions that vary from person to person and can flare up unexpectedly. It is imperative that patients have the information and the medical care they need so they can have the best possible quality of life," says Dana Wallace, MD, president of ACAAI.

Sander continues, "In this day and age, it remains unacceptable that 10 people die of asthma every day. This doesn't have to happen if patients have the proper care and education. AANMA is devoted to making sure families have the answers they need to lead healthy lives."