New Years Resolutions? No Thanks! Tips on Controlling Allergies and Asthma? Yes, Please

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (Dec. 12, 2024) – Feeling like there are too many things on your checklist for the new year? If you have allergies or asthma, keeping yourself healthy and free of symptoms needs to be a priority. But it doesn’t have to be complicated.

“50 million people in the United States have some sort of allergic condition,” says allergist James Tracy, DO, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Some have suffered for years and have their asthma and allergy plans fine-tuned to keep symptoms manageable. Others may be feeling overwhelmed and are looking for tips to keep themselves sneeze-, itch- and wheeze-free. The new year is the perfect time to assess where you are with your symptoms and where you need to be headed. Small changes can make a big difference.”

Following are six New Year’s “suggestions” from ACAAI for people with allergies or asthma to keep in mind. 

1. Check in with your allergist – If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your allergist, “resolve” to make an appointment in the new year. Make sure all medications are current, and that your prescriptions are working. Has your health insurance changed in the new year? Check to see if your medications are still covered. Did your child grow or gain weight last year? They might need a new prescription. A board-certified allergist can develop a plan tailored to your or your child’s allergies and asthma to help keep everyone on course. ACAAI has an allergist locator to help you find an allergist near you.
2. Keep a healthy diet in mind – A healthy diet isn’t necessarily about losing weight – it means you consider the foods you need to stay well and strong. That includes avoiding foods you might be allergic to. If you or your child have a food allergy, the new year might be a good time to check in with your allergist. An allergist can help determine if the food allergy is still present, and fill you in on any new treatments. You may have heard there is now a nasal epinephrine treatment that is available by prescription to treat anaphylaxis. Your allergist can tell you if it’s a good option for you or your child.
3. Don’t forget your mental health needs – Did you know that stress and anxiety can make your allergy and asthma symptoms worse? Studies have shown that worry can cause adverse health effects, including an increase in asthma attacks. Consider downloading a meditation app on your phone or personal device, and make it a daily (or nightly) practice to use it to unwind and relax. Soothing music can also be beneficial, as is participating in any activities that bring joy. Laughter truly is a great medicine.
4. Get your vaccines – According to the CDC, not enough people are up to date on their vaccines this year. Seniors and those at risk for respiratory viruses, should be getting vaccinated against viruses like flu, RSV and Covid. Anyone who has asthma needs to be careful this time of year. Any illness that compromises breathing is a risk for those whose immune systems are already compromised. Infants, particularly those born prematurely, and older adults with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions need to guard against severe RSV infections. The consequences of RSV can range from mild respiratory distress to more serious conditions like pneumonia and bronchiolitis, making prevention essential to safeguarding public health.
5. Of course you must exercise – You hear it all year long, but especially at the new year – get out and exercise to maintain your overall health. If you have asthma, your allergist may recommend using your pre-exercise asthma medicine (generally, your inhaled bronchodilator) before beginning exercise. Consider warm-up exercises and have a good cool-down period after your workout. If it’s cold and windy outside, try an indoor workout or wear a mask or loose scarf over your nose and mouth. Yoga may be a great addition to your workout. Studies have shown that deep breathing practices can help with asthma symptoms.
6. Drink a lot!…of water – Your New Year’s traditions should include staying well hydrated. Drink plenty of water and keep your skin moisturized. If you have atopic dermatitis, know that dry skin and eczema flares often occur in winter. You can apply white petroleum jelly to wet skin when just out of the shower or bath to help lock in moisture and prevent skin irritation. Apply moisturizers daily, even when your skin appears clear, to help prevent dryness. People with eczema should avoid harsh cleansers, drink water often, wear gloves in cold weather, and avoid wearing materials such as wool, which can irritate the skin. 

 If you think you or your child might have allergies or asthma, make an appointment with an allergist for proper testing. An allergist can help you take control and live your best life. To locate an allergist in your area, visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.

About ACAAI

ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy, and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram  and Twitter/X.