Last Updated: May 1, 2025
May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourages community members with asthma to talk to their doctor about keeping an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan. A child’s up-to-date Asthma Action Plan should be shared with their caregivers and summer camp staff. Individuals with asthma or asthma-like symptoms, including chest tightness or pain, wheezing when exhaling, and/or trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, should talk to a physician. May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.
“One of the most useful steps families can take to promote asthma health is to make sure you have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan to share with caregivers and school, or summer camp staff,” says Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Childhood Health Coordinator Becca Bruhl. “An asthma action plan gives kids, caregivers, and school staff a step-by-step guide to manage symptoms, avoid triggers, and know exactly what to do in an emergency. It’s a vital tool for keeping children healthy, active, and in school.”
Richmond is considered an Asthma Capital according to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. The Richmond region also ranks 8th on the list of most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies.
Here are some steps community members can take to help manage asthma for themselves and their families during the summer months.
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Make an appointment with your doctor and your child’s doctor over the summer.
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Follow your Asthma Action Plan to keep asthma under control.
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Manage your home’s indoor air quality.
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Wear a mask in crowded places, wash hands properly, and stay away from sick people.
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Make sure you and your family get rest, adequate sleep and hydration, and eat healthy food.
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Make a plan to get updated vaccines for fall respiratory infections such as flu and COVID-19 when they become available.
RHHD encourages residents experiencing the symptoms of asthma to reach out to a primary care or other physician to receive diagnosis and treatment. Community members can get help connecting to a primary care physician, regardless of insurance status, by visiting rhhd.gov/connect-pc.
RHHD encourages residents with school-aged children to make sure their child’s school nurse and summer camp staff have a copy of their Asthma Action Plan. Parents can find more information at RHHD’s school health hub, rhhd.gov/school-health-hub.
Follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and Facebook for more Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month content. For more health and safety information, visit rhhd.gov and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.