Overview
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways of the lung to become inflamed, making it hard to breathe. It is a result of both genetic predisposition and environmental interactions when exposed to a trigger. A trigger is something you are sensitive to, such as pollen, chemicals, weather changes, smoke, dust, or exercise, that can cause swelling, mucous production, and narrowing in your airways. The best possible way to prevent an asthma episode is to follow your treatment plan, learn your triggers, and avoid them.
What are allergies?
Allergies occur when your body’s immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts to it. These substances are called allergens. When someone has allergies, their immune system makes an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which responds to the allergen to destroy it. The symptoms caused by this are called an allergic reaction. Common allergens include medications, food, insects, latex, mold, pets, and pollen. Similar to asthma, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to learn your allergens, and avoid them.
How common are asthma and allergies?
Asthma and allergies are two of the most common chronic diseases. More Americans than ever before have asthma – about 25 million people in the U.S. alone. Allergies are increasing as well, affecting approximately 30% of adults and 40% of children in the United States.1 2
Questions regarding your asthma and allergy therapy?
You can reach the Accredo asthma and allergy care team between 8am to 11pm Monday through Friday and Saturday 8am to 5pm Eastern Standard Time.
24-hour Customer Service Center
- 1Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Allergies. www.aafa.org/allergies June 26, 2023
- 2 Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Allergies. www.aafa.org/asthma June 26, 2023
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of asthma and allergy?
Symptoms of asthma can vary widely. An asthma episode, also called an asthma flare-up or asthma attack, can happen at any time. Mild symptoms may only last a few minutes while more severe asthma symptoms can last hours or days. Asthma may lead to a medical emergency. It is important to know the signs of a severe asthma episode (or asthma attack).
The most common allergy symptoms affecting your eyes, nose, or sinuses may simply make you uncomfortable. Allergies can also affect your skin, causing hives, contact dermatitis, or a more chronic inflammatory condition known as atopic dermatitis (eczema). Other more serious symptoms, like trouble breathing and swelling in your mouth or throat, may be a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis, and require immediate medical attention.
| Asthma | Allergy | |
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| Common |
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| Seek Medical Help Immediately For |
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How is asthma and allergies diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose asthma and allergies in three steps. They review your personal and medical history to get a complete understanding of your symptoms and their possible causes. They give you a physical exam to look at your ears, eyes, nose, throat, skin, chest and lungs, and may include a lung function test or an X-ray of your sinuses. If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction, they will also do tests to identify your allergens, such as skin tests, patch tests, or blood tests. If you or your child are having problems breathing on a regular basis, or have noticed signs of an allergic reaction, make an appointment with your doctor for help.
Medications
Asthma & Allergy
The following specialty medications are available at Accredo, a specialty pharmacy for Asthma & Allergy
Financing Your Care
Financial assistance coordination may be available to help with your medication costs, including manufacturer and community programs. Accredo representatives are available to help find a program that may work for you.
| Medication | Financial assistance program contact information |
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| Dupixent® |
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| Fasenra® |
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| Nucala® |
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| Xolair® |
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Financial Guidance
Life-saving specialty medication can be expensive. Learn how the Accredo teams help individuals find ways to afford the medication they need to survive in this video.
Find Support
There are many organizations that support research and advocacy for Asthma and Allergy. See below for a few of those organizations.
Asthma & Allergy Organizations
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
- American Academy of Asthma and Immunology
- AAAAI Foundation
- American Academy of Dermatology
Government Organizations
Meet the Team
Accredo’s Asthma and Allergy care team is dedicated to serving you and we understand the complexity of your condition. Our specialty-trained clinicians are available from 8am to 11pm Monday through Friday and Saturday 8am to 5pm Eastern Standard Time, to answer any questions. You can reach the Asthma and Allergy dedicated care team at
Why We Do It
Accredo supports patients with chronic and complex conditions and helps them live their best life. Watch our video to learn why we do what we do for our patients.