We’re calling on people around the world to use their next breath to gently blow out a digital candle.* This powerful symbol of solidarity with the asthma community highlights the importance of prioritizing lung health and demanding access to specialized, long-term care that treats the root causes of asthma. Each time you share the filter on InstagramPlease note, this link will only work on a mobile device. or FacebookPlease note, this link will only work on a mobile device., Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron will donate $5 (up to $20,000 total) to the Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform (GAAPP), so they can continue empowering people with asthma to know and demand their rights as a patient.

Prioritize better asthma control today

The long-term management of your asthma should include striving for a better level of symptom control and minimizing the impact that asthma has on your life.

Every day matters in prioritizing your asthma control as repeat asthma flares can lead to a long-term decline in how your lungs work (lung function).¹ Medicines like oral corticosteroids (OCS) can provide relief, but their frequent use is associated with side effects such as mood changes, risk of infections and weakened bones.^2,3 Additionally, experiencing frequent symptoms and using OCS more than twice a year could be signs that your asthma is uncontrolled and your asthma management plan needs a refresh.²

For 50% to 70% of people with asthma, an overactive immune response called type 2 inflammation is the underlying cause of their disease.^4,5,6 This inflammation persists in the lungs even if you aren’t experiencing physical symptoms.⁶ Identifying any underlying inflammation that could be contributing to asthma symptoms is an important part of developing a plan for achieving long-term asthma control.

If you have more difficult to control or severe asthma, prioritizing your health may benefit from the support of a specialist, such as a pulmonologist (also known as a respirologist) or an allergist. They can help you understand the root causes of your asthma, your asthma type – such as whether you have severe asthma – and support you in achieving a better level of control.^2,7,8 Your doctor may not have referred you to a specialist yet, but you can ask to see one at any time.

Now that you better understand the value of prioritizing asthma control, let’s talk about the importance of demanding your asthma rights today – so you can work towards better lung health tomorrow.

Know your rights as a patient

Prioritizing asthma control isn’t always easy, but you are not alone. If your asthma impacts your daily life despite treatment, there are steps you can take.

For those with severe asthma, GAAPP has defined the rights people have – including the right to see a respiratory doctor. You always have the right to demand better, more specialized asthma care, among a number of other rights:

Join the Next Breath Challenge

Prioritizing asthma control and demanding better care are crucial aspects of achieving better health for tomorrow. That’s why we encourage everyone to take action by joining the Next Breath Challenge – beginning on World Asthma Day on May 5 and continuing all year long. With one breath, you can start your journey, and then continue down the road by setting a doctor’s appointment, starting a new conversation with a specialist and ensuring your rights are being heard.

*Note: When blowing out the digital candle, please practice safe distancing and do not attempt if blowing out is difficult.