Asthma Awareness Month
May 1 - May 31
About Asthma Awareness Month
Asthma Awareness Month is observed throughout May each year, raising awareness about asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that affects more than 262 million people worldwide. Since 1984, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has designated May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, timing it to coincide with peak spring allergy season when asthma symptoms often worsen. The month educates the public about asthma triggers, management strategies, and the importance of access to effective treatment.
What is Asthma Awareness Month?
Asthma Awareness Month is a global health observance dedicated to increasing understanding of asthma, its causes, and how it can be effectively managed. Asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow, swell, and may produce extra mucus, making breathing difficult and triggering coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The campaign is coordinated in the United States by the AAFA and the American Lung Association, while internationally, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) organises World Asthma Day during May. The month aims to reduce asthma-related hospitalisations and deaths through better education and access to care.
When is Asthma Awareness Month?
Asthma Awareness Month takes place throughout the entire month of May each year. In 2026, it runs from Friday, 1 May to Sunday, 31 May. The dates are fixed and do not change from year to year. World Asthma Day, a key event within the month, falls on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.
Why Asthma Awareness Month Matters
Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in the world. According to the World Health Organization, over 262 million people were affected by asthma in 2019, and it caused approximately 455,000 deaths that year. In the United States alone, more than 26 million people live with asthma, including approximately 4.7 million children. Asthma disproportionately affects certain communities: Black Americans are three times more likely to die from asthma than white Americans, and children living in low-income urban areas face higher rates of asthma and poorer access to specialist care.
Despite these figures, asthma can be well controlled with the right treatment plan. Anti-inflammatory inhalers, the cornerstone of asthma management, can prevent attacks and allow people with asthma to lead fully active lives. The 2026 theme for World Asthma Day, set by GINA, is “Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers for everyone with asthma, still an urgent need,” highlighting the fact that millions of people worldwide still lack access to basic asthma medications. Asthma Awareness Month provides the platform to advocate for better access, better education, and better outcomes.
How to Get Involved in Asthma Awareness Month
Whether you live with asthma, care for someone who does, or simply want to help raise awareness, there are many ways to participate:
- Review your asthma action plan – If you have asthma, work with your healthcare provider to update your personalised action plan. Make sure you know your triggers, medications, and what to do during an attack.
- Learn to identify triggers – Common asthma triggers include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mould, smoke, cold air, and exercise. Understanding your triggers is the first step to managing symptoms effectively.
- Support World Asthma Day – On 5 May 2026, join the global conversation by attending a local event, participating in an online webinar, or sharing awareness content on social media.
- Check indoor air quality – Use the US Environmental Protection Agency’s resources to assess and improve the air quality in your home and workplace. Simple steps like using HEPA filters and reducing humidity can help.
- Donate to asthma research – Support organisations like the AAFA, the American Lung Association, or Asthma UK (now part of Asthma + Lung UK) that fund research into better treatments and potential cures.
- Educate children about asthma – Teach children with asthma to recognise their symptoms and use their inhalers correctly. Schools should have asthma policies that allow children to carry and use their medication.
- Participate in the Big Asthma Bake Sale – In the UK, the Big Asthma Bake Sale runs throughout May, raising funds for asthma research through bake sales and community events.
History of Asthma Awareness Month
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America first declared May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in 1984. May was chosen because it coincides with the spring allergy season in the Northern Hemisphere, when tree and grass pollen levels peak and many people with allergic asthma experience worsening symptoms. The timing maximises the relevance of the awareness campaign and ensures it reaches people when they are most likely to be thinking about respiratory health.
The AAFA was founded in 1953 and has been a leading advocacy organisation for people with asthma and allergies for over seven decades. Its work during May includes distributing educational materials, hosting community events, and advocating for policy changes that improve access to asthma care. The American Lung Association also plays a major role, organising webinars, producing patient resources, and running its “Lung Force” campaign.
Internationally, the Global Initiative for Asthma has coordinated World Asthma Day since 1998, with the event always falling on the first Tuesday of May. GINA was launched in 1993 in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Its annual report provides evidence-based guidelines for asthma management used by healthcare professionals worldwide. Together, these organisations have significantly improved global understanding of asthma and reduced mortality rates in countries with access to modern treatments.
Noteworthy Facts About Asthma
- Over 262 million people worldwide live with asthma, according to the World Health Organization.
- In the United States, more than 26 million people have asthma, including approximately 4.7 million children.
- Asthma accounts for approximately 1.8 million emergency department visits in the US each year.
- Black Americans are three times more likely to die from asthma than white Americans, highlighting significant health disparities.
- The Global Initiative for Asthma has coordinated World Asthma Day since 1998, raising awareness in over 35 countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asthma Awareness Month?
Asthma Awareness Month is an annual May observance that raises awareness about asthma, a chronic respiratory condition. It promotes education about triggers, management strategies, and access to effective treatment.
When is Asthma Awareness Month in 2026?
Asthma Awareness Month runs from Friday, 1 May to Sunday, 31 May 2026. World Asthma Day falls on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.
Can asthma be cured?
There is currently no cure for asthma, but it can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan. Most people with asthma can control their symptoms and lead active lives using a combination of preventer inhalers, reliever inhalers, and trigger avoidance strategies.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness about asthma by sharing information with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #AsthmaAwarenessMonth and #AsthmaAwarenessMonth2026 on social media. You can also use #AsthmaAwareness and #WorldAsthmaDay to join the global conversation. Better awareness leads to better management, and better management saves lives.
Related Awareness Days
- World Asthma Day – Observed on the first Tuesday of May (5 May 2026), this global event organised by GINA focuses on improving asthma care worldwide.
- Allergy Awareness Week – Held in late April, this week raises awareness about allergies, which are a major trigger for asthma symptoms.
- Food Allergy Awareness Week – Taking place in May, this week highlights food allergies, which can trigger severe reactions including asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
Links
- Visit the AAFA Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month page
- Visit the American Lung Association Asthma Awareness Month page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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