Welcome to AAFASTL... This website is dedicated to increasing the awareness of asthma and allergies. AAFA has dedicated over 28 years to educating and serving those affected by asthma, allergies, and food allergies. Want to find out more information? If so, click on the links above. Working together, we can help you control your asthma and allergies and live a life without limits.
St. Louis Suffering from Bad Allergy Season
Fox 2 News visited Dr. Michael Borts, Board Certified Allergist, again to talk about how severe spring allergies are this season. Check out his interview here.
Tis the Season; Spring Allergies
Dr. Michael Borts, AAFA's Second Vice President, was interviewed this morning by Fox 2 News about spring allergies. Check out his interview here.
Is it a cold or allergies? Visit AAFA National's website to compare your symptoms.
New study shows St. Louis is the worst place to live with Asthma
St. Louis, MO, is ranked as the No.1 Asthma Capital - the most challenging place to live with asthma in the U.S. - according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), which conducted the study. View the study here. This ranking was determined based on an analysis and scoring of 12 factors in the 100 largest U.S. metro areas. St. Louis was ranked No.1 this year in part due to worse than average scores in crude death rate due to asthma (2.2%), higher than average pollen counts over the previous year and the lack of "100-percent" public smoke-free laws, which many other large cities are enacting.
St. Louis topped the study after being ninth last year due to a variety of factors, including poor air quality and a rise in the percentage of uninsured residents. It is interesting to note, however, that the prevalence of asthma, both estimated and self-reported in this city decreased slightly over the last year.
Letter to the Editor of the St. Louis Post Dispatch in response to "St. Louis is worst place to live for people with asthma" (Jan. 28)
Have a family member with a food allergy? Don't know where to turn? Click here to learn more about Gateway FEAST!
Are you unable to afford your medicine?
AAFA pays for asthma and allergy medications to people under 22 who have no insurance or have insurance with high medication co-pays through its Project Concern program . If you are over 22, have no insurance and need help affording your asthma and allergy medication, please visit the Prescription Assistance website by clicking here.
Air Filters in the News
Are you considering an air filter or cleaner for your home? Check out this article on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation National web page for more information. Read more 
Annual U.S. Prevalence Statistics for Chronic Diseases
An estimated 20 million Americans suffer from asthma (1 in 15 Americans), and 50% of asthma cases are “allergic-asthma.” The prevalence of asthma has been increasing since the early 1980s across all age, sex and racial groups.
- Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children.
- Asthma is more common among adult women than adult men.
- Asthma is more common among male children than female children.
- Asthma is more common among children (7 to 10%) than adults (3 to 5%).
- Nearly 5 million asthma sufferers are under age 18. It is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting more than one child in 20.
- Asthma is slightly more prevalent among African Americans than Caucasians.