Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease in which the airways are temporarily narrowed due to inflammation. The airway constriction caused by asthma results in breathing difficulty, chest tightness, and wheezing. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma is the most common chronic medical condition among children, affecting more than one in 20 children. Several associations and organizations aim to help children with asthma through education, awareness, research and fundraising.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology
The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology offers a variety of services and resources for children with asthma and their parents. The "Just for Kids" feature of the organization's website offers videos, storybooks, puzzles, games and a book aimed at educating a young audience about asthma. In addition, the organization offers parent resources, including a downloadable "Asthma Action Plan" and an interactive quiz for parents to test their asthma knowledge. The organization also produces a quarterly "Allergy and Asthma Issues" patient newsletter. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology can be contacted through their website at www.aaaai.org or by phone at 414-272-6071.
Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics
The Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics, known as AANMA, is a national grassroots movement aimed at childhood asthma advocacy, outreach and support. The flagship publication of the organization is "Allergy and Asthma Today," available both in print copy and on the organization's website. The group organizes an annual "Asthma Awareness Day" on Capitol Hill and staffs a toll-free patient support center. In addition, a Hispanic outreach program works to distribute asthma educational materials to underserved Spanish-speaking families. AANMA can be contacted through their website at www.aanma.org, which includes a web form for utilizing the "Ask a Nurse" service. The organization can be contacted by phone at 800-878-4403.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, known as AAFA, promotes asthma education, research, and advocacy. Local chapters and support groups exist, many aimed specifically toward parents and young people. The AAFA offers a variety of interactive childhood asthma programs designed to teach children how to manage their asthma at-cost through their website. In addition, the AAFA Clinical Trials Resource Center can be used to search for listings of asthma clinical trials for children. The AAFA can be contacted through their website at www.aafa.org, or through their information hotline at 800-7-ASTHMA.
Pediatric/Adult Asthma Coalition of New Jersey
The Pediatric/Adult Asthma Coalition of New Jersey, known as PACNJ, is an organization based out of New Jersey and sponsored by the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic. Helpful features offered by the organization's website include parenting tips for an asthma-friendly school and childcare experience. The organization also offers educational resources for parents, including information on asthma triggers. PACNJ can be contacted via their website at www.pacnj.org or by phone at 908-685-8040.
