Spring Brings Attention to Allergy/Immunology

April and May are important months for any allergist/immunologist who wants to educate the community on asthma, allergies, primary immunodeficiency and other related diseases. With a number of awareness holidays this spring, how will you mark the occasions?

World Allergy Week
World Allergy Week is an annual initiative of the World Allergy Organization (WAO), together with its Member Societies, to raise awareness of allergic disease and related disorders and advocate for the provision of training and resources in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of these diseases and asthma, which are rising in prevalence around the world.

The theme this year, April 4-10, is “Pollen Allergies - Adapting to a Changing Climate.” It addresses the need for greater awareness and understanding of allergy topics as well as the exchange of ideas and collaboration in order to address treatment and quality-of-life issues related to the care of patients with pollen allergies. Find more information at worldallergy.org.

National Primary Immunodeficiency Awareness Month
Join the Clinical Immunology Society to promote awareness of primary immunodeficiency diseases (PI) in your community during the month of April. It brings a perfect opportunity to educate and inform people about primary immunodeficiency diseases -- hopefully this knowledge will lead to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Visit ClinImmSoc.org to access resources that will help you take action and advocate for PI.

World Primary Immunodeficiency Week
World PI Week, April 22-29, is a global campaign which aims to raise awareness and improve diagnosis and treatment of primary immunodeficiency. You can learn PI facts, sign the awareness petition, browse events or download resources (including resources tailored to healthcare professionals) at worldpiweek.org.

National Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) Day
Last year, as the result of the International FPIES Association's advocacy efforts, supported by AAAAI, the United States Senate designated May 4 as National FPIES Awareness Day. A majority of individuals with FPIES receive a delayed diagnosis, are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. Therefore, they are not receiving the valuable programs and services that can help them and the specialized medical care that is often needed. National FPIES Awareness Day is a critical part of the effort to generate awareness about FPIES and raise funding for the research, education, and advocacy initiatives of the International FPIES Association. Learn more at FPIES.org.

Allergy & Asthma Day, Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
Allergy & Asthma Network invites you to the 19th Annual Allergy & Asthma Day on Capitol Hill (AADCH) on May 12 in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the event and register at the AllergyAsthmaNetwork.com. Likewise, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) also declares May to be "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month." Visit AAFA.org to access resources and tools that help educate patients, family, friends, co-workers and others about these diseases.

Food Allergy Awareness Week and Food Allergy Action Month
Created in 1998 by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, now known as Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Food Allergy Awareness Week has been announced as May 8-14. The 2016 theme is "Food Allergies: React with Respect" and FARE.org also has activities planned throughout the entire month to promote Food Allergy Action Month during the month of May.