Asthma Archives | MedicAlert Foundation The Real Medical ID, MedicAlert medical IDs provide protection in an emergency. Backed by our 24/7 emergency services, genuine MedicAlert IDs are globally recognized by first responders and medical professionals. Wed, 14 May 2025 15:33:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://blog.medicalert.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cropped-favicon-32x32-1-32x32.png Asthma Archives | MedicAlert Foundation 32 32 192520198 Food Allergy Advocate, My Incredible Journey /member-stories/food-allergy-advocate/ Sun, 24 Dec 2023 13:58:29 +0000 https://blog.medicalert.org/?post_type=stories&p=21173 I have never known life without medical issues and I’ve accepted that as my norm. I was first diagnosed with anaphylactic food allergies , asthma and eczema at the age of two. My mother, doubtful that a toddler would be able to properly advocate for herself, immediately measured my teeny wrist using a dollar bill and

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Food Allergy Advocate, My Incredible Journey

My name is Ali and I’m 27 years old, currently living in Chicago. I have never known life without medical issues and I’ve accepted that as my norm. I was first diagnosed with anaphylactic food allergies, asthma, and eczema at the age of two. My mother, doubtful that a toddler would be able to properly advocate for herself, immediately measured my teeny wrist using a dollar bill and ordered my very first MedicAlert bracelet.

As I think of the tools that have helped me navigate my life with more ease and less fear, my MedicAlert bracelet instantly comes to mind. It’s how I advocate for myself, it’s why I became a food allergy advocate on Instagram. It’s been a staple on my left wrist for as long as I remember, and I feel bare without it. 

Dining out as a food allergy advocate

Dining out can be one of the most challenging activities for people living with food allergies. Communicating your condition and needs can sometimes make you feel like you’re in the spotlight, when all you want to do is enjoy a meal with family or friends! The good news is, thanks to MedicAlert, grabbing a bite to eat doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable experience.

“I can’t count the number of times I’ve ordered at a restaurant and the server has brushed aside the severity of my allergies,” Ali says. “I will always be a food allergy advocate. When I show them my MedicAlert ID bracelet, they always take a second look and cater more closely to my needs. There’s an element of credibility that comes with wearing a MedicAlert bracelet.”

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About Allergies

Learn more about this condition on the medical conditions page.
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Other Conditions

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MedicAlert's impact

If you are living with anaphylaxis food allergies or a chronic condition such as asthma, a MedicAlert bracelet can have a strong impact on your sense of well-being and peace of mind. Whether you find it difficult to communicate your needs in every day situations, or if you are in an accident and unable to communicate with first responders, a MedicAlert bracelet can be your voice. 

“MedicAlert has truly had the most impact on my life as a conversation starter, a bridge into a world of invisible illness,” Ali says. “What are you allergic to? What does it say? Are you diabetic? What do you have? are the usual questions when someone sees my bracelet. I can recite the exact words on my bracelet from memory, and then elaborate on what that has meant for my life and how I’ve been impacted by those small, engraved words.” 

When I show them my MedicAlert ID bracelet, they always take a second look and cater more closely to my needs.

Ali, MedicAlert Member since 1999

Let me advocate for you

A MedicAlert bracelet can quickly alert first responders and others to crucial details of your condition, which can save precious time where it counts.

MedicAlert can be with you every day of the year. “That simple silver chain gives me an opportunity to share my medical profile with those around me and educate them on how they can be better allies,” Ali says. “It’s the entry point into the world I typically keep private, and it reminds me how critical it is to advocate for myself and others with the same issues. Being a food allergy advocate means I can help normalize how society treats us. And MedicAlert helps me do that. As I’ve grown older, my medical issues have become more complex and the need for awareness and education is at an all-time high since these newer issues come with more complications.”

“When I consider what that simple bracelet means to me almost 25 years later,” Ali says, “I think of education and awareness. I think it helped me find my voice as a food allergy advocate. And I’m fortunate that most of my allergic reactions and flare-ups have happened in the company of family and close friends who could advocate for me.”

“While technology will continue to innovate ways to track illness and log information in emergencies, there will never be anything more accessible and direct than that little bracelet resting softly on my left wrist, its silver emblem a beacon to the lifesaving message on the other side.”

Shop Ali’s Bracelet here.

Food allergy advocacy

There are dozens of organizations in the U.S. and around the world that are food allergy advocates, and help those individuals living with food allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT), and Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) are just a few food allergy advocates in the U.S.

The month of May in the U.S. is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, each year it brings these and other organizations together to raise awareness and help improve the lives of people living with asthma, allergies, and anaphylaxis food allergy.

Food allergies statistics

Approximately 5.6 million children (nearly 8%) have food allergies. Around 40% of these children live with multiple food allergies. Of the 5.6 million children living with food allergies, less than half have an anaphylaxis food allergy, with the most anaphylactic events occurring among elementary-, middle school-, and high school-age students. Some of the most common food allergies in children include peanut, milk, shellfish, and tree nut. Peanuts, shellfish, and tree nuts cause the most severe reactions. This includes anaphylaxis.

Facts About
Food Allergies

1 in 13 children have a food allergy.Nearly 11% of people age 18 or older – more than 26 million adults – have food allergies.

The most common food allergies in children are allergies to peanut, milk, shellfish and tree nuts.

About 40%of children with food allergies have multiple food allergies

Source: FARE Food Allergy Facts and Stats

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]]> 21173 Living with Severe Asthma /member-stories/living-with-severe-asthma/ /member-stories/living-with-severe-asthma/#respond Fri, 24 Nov 2023 22:45:02 +0000 https://blog.medicalert.org/?post_type=stories&p=23246 I always have my inhaler close by, especially during the change in seasons. Last summer I experienced the most severe asthma attack I’ve had in years while at my nephew’s track meet. With the sun beating down, I decided to leave the bleachers and stand under a willow tree to enjoy some shade before his next race. After

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Living with Severe Asthma

More than 25 million American’s are living with asthma. This includes 5.5 million children. While anyone can develop the condition, asthma is more common in female adults than male adults. In fact, around 9.7% of female adults have asthma, compared to 6.2% of male adults.

While asthma may indeed be a chronic (life-long) condition, it doesn’t have to rule one’s life. By organizing treatment details and medications, and applying layers of precaution, like back up medications and a medical ID, will help you feel at ease knowing effective treatment and help are at your fingertips.

Like our member, Diane – she understands that her asthma is something she can’t always control, but knows the importance of always being prepared, and that’s why she choose MedicAlert.

A picture of daughter kissing her mother together with a testimonial

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About Asthma

Learn more about this condition on the medical conditions page.

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Find Your ID

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When asthma strikes, preparation can save a life

Though asthma can strike anytime, like Diane’s experience at a family gathering told below, knowing  your triggers and having a plan can make all the difference.

“For years, my asthma has hindered many outdoor activities I’d love to experience”, says Diane, “At times when I would have allergy and asthma flare-ups, I would miss out on my kid’s soccer and softball events. I was always too scared to go hiking and fishing with my husband, in fear of triggering an asthma attack. I always have my inhaler close by, especially during the change in seasons.”

“Last summer I experienced the most severe asthma attack I’ve had in years while at my nephew’s track meet,” explains Diane. “With the sun beating down, I decided to leave the bleachers and stand under a willow tree to enjoy some shade before his next race.”

“After a short while I began to feel my chest tighten and slowly began to have difficulty breathing,” she says. “As I reached for my inhaler, I realized I left it inside my purse with my husband up in the bleachers.”

Diane remembers how panic had already started to set in as she quickly reached for her phone in her back pocket to call her husband.

“When he answered,” she said, “I was barely able to speak, so he immediately knew something was wrong. Thankfully I told him where I was going for shade when I left the bleachers because he instantly headed my way.”

“There were paramedics on standby at the event and they arrived moments after my husband had flagged them down,” says Diane. “My face was pale and my lips had started turning a bluish color. The paramedics had seen my MedicAlert bracelet when checking my pulse, which has my asthma condition, penicillin allergy, and Coumadin engraved.”

Diane’s MedicAlert ID notified the first responders and were able to give her prompt and appropriate care, but when they called the 24/7 emergency hotline we were able to relay Diane’s full medical history.

“I am forever grateful to MedicAlert and the paramedics for the care they gave me,” says Diane. “Thank you, MedicAlert for being there when I needed you most.”

“Thanks to MedicAlert, I can be an active mom while living with severe asthma because I know someone will always have my information should an emergency happen.”

Diane, MedicAlert Member since 1993

Causes of asthma

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that the exact cause of asthma is unknown. However, there a number of risk factors that have the potential to increase your chances of developing asthma, or worsen existing asthma. Examples include being a smoker or exposure to secondhand smoke, having a relative with asthma, exposure to chemicals in the workplace, being overweight, having another condition such as hay fever or atopic dermatitis, and exposure to air pollution.

So in addition to having backup meds, backup support via a medical ID, it’s a great idea to minimize any factors in your life that could possibly exacerbate asthma.

Inhalers: The more the merrier with this go-to asthma treatment!

In Diane’s experience having multiple inhalers is the primary action she’s found increases her safety and sense of peace. It’s always a good idea to have more than just 1 or 2 inhalers around. Especially if you don’t carry the same bag every day, make sure you have a backup inhaler in your car, at any friend or family member’s homes; any place you regularly go where you can stow an extra inhaler is probably the simplest thing you can do to enhance safety and  peace of mind.

How do inhalers work?

Inhaled corticosteroids are considered the most effective long-term usage medication to control and manage asthma. Delivered directly into the lungs through a device known as an inhaler, the medication works by reducing swelling and tightening in the airways. According to Mayo Clinic, regular use of inhaled corticosteroids helps keep asthma attacks in check.

Examples of inhaled corticosteroids include:

  • Fluticasone (Flovent HFA, Arnuity Ellipta, others)
  • Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler)
  • Mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler)
  • Beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler)
  • Ciclesonide (Alvesco)

It can take several months of regular use to get the maximum benefit from using an inhaler. In general, inhaled corticosteroids do not cause serious side effects. Like a MedicAlert medical ID, an inhaler can help save your life, so nurture yourself by stocking up on a few extra. This especially true for people living with severe asthma. 

Facts About Asthma

Nearly 21 million U.S. adults ages 18 and older have asthma

Asthma is more common in female adults than male adults.

Around 9.7% of female adults have asthma, compared to 6.2% of male adults

Source: AAFA.ORG

What are other treatments for people living with severe asthma?

An inhaler is the most common treatment for asthma. However, corticosteroids can be taken as a pill to prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), biologic medicines such as benralizumab may be prescribed for severe asthma. These medicines are injected below the skin or into a vein.

Your doctor may also prescribe leukotriene modifiers to reduce swelling and keep your airways open.

Taken in pill form, this medication may be prescribed alone or with steroid medicine. For individuals who know and understand their triggers, inhaled mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn, can help prevent swelling in the airways when you’re around airborne allergens or other triggers.

In some cases, your doctor may add inhaled long-acting bronchodilators to your inhaler to prevent your airways from narrowing. 

Examples include long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) or long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs). Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) or “allergy shots,” may also help reduce the body’s response to allergens.

For people who experience the most severe asthma attacks, an EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector) is often used as a first-line emergency treatment. An EpiPen works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and reversing rapid and dangerous drops in blood pressure.

How can MedicAlert help someone living with severe asthma?

While asthma triggers can vary by person, the AAFA states that the most common triggers include allergies, air pollution, and other airborne irritants; health conditions, including respiratory infections; exercise or physical activity; weather and air temperature; strong emotions; and even some medicines.

Although it’s impossible to identify every trigger, safely living with asthma is possible. You can manage asthma by being vigilant, carrying an inhaler (if prescribed), and wearing an asthma medical ID such as a MedicAlert medical ID.

A MedicAlert ID and protection plan for severe asthma can play an important role in managing your condition. This is especially true in an emergency. A MedicAlert ID and protection plan can be your voice if you are unable to communicate critical information about your condition to first responders, ER doctors, and hospital staff in an emergency.

Our Safe & Protected plan is the smart choice for people living with severe asthma. It provides:

  • 24/7 emergency response team to relay vital information to first responders, ensuring safe and accurate care.
  • Designated physician and emergency contact notification.
  • Digital health profile of asthma triggers and allergies, medications, and auto-injectable devices, such as an EpiPen – all in one place.
  • Personal document storage.
  • Printable detailed profile for medical appointments.

Living with severe asthma doesn’t have to slow you down. Start living life to the fullest without worry. Order your asthma medical ID from MedicAlert today and start enjoying the protection of our 24/7 support.

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]]> /member-stories/living-with-severe-asthma/feed/ 0 23246 Back to School: Creating a Healthy Environment for Students and Staff with Asthma & Allergies /back-to-school-creating-a-healthy-environment-for-students-and-staff-with-asthma-allergies/ Fri, 12 Nov 2021 17:50:03 +0000 https://blog.medicalert.org/?p=5139 The post Back to School: Creating a Healthy Environment for Students and Staff with Asthma & Allergies appeared first on MedicAlert Foundation.

]]> The first day of school is full of excitement for students, parents, and educators alike. In an average year, it may also bring some anxiety…but as we know, this year is far from average. The beginning of this school year is unlike any other.  Navigating back-to-school challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic is especially complicated for those who have severe allergies and asthma and are returning to in-person learning environments.

Recently our partner, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America joined us for a special LIVE Healthy Hour. We discussed: Back to School: Creating a Healthy Environment for Students and Staff with Asthma & Allergies. Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO of AAFA answered your questions and alleviated concerns and fears regarding the school year ahead.

When students and school personnel who have allergies and asthma leave the safety of their homes to return to school, they generally take certain precautions to help reduce the risk of triggering an asthmatic or allergic reaction. Now, during COVID-19, leaving home and prepping for the school day will require new and additional safeguards.

AAFA and Kenny shared some valuable resources  to help you prepare for the school year ahead:

Asthma Resources:

Allergy Resources:

Through our partnership with AAFA, MedicAlert is excited to announce the launch of our Digital Asthma Action Plan. Having an up to date Asthma Action Plan is an important safety step for anyone who has asthma. MedicAlert has added a digital version of the plan to the online health profile available to MedicAlert members. You can now update, download or print your Asthma Action Plan directly from your MedicAlert account.

MedicAlert Foundation thanks Kenny and AAFA for helping our members navigate this challenging new environment. Learn more about our partnership with AAFA. 

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