Did you know that nearly one in three adults in the United States have reported having a seasonal allergy, eczema or a food allergy?

Or that asthma is one of the most common and costly diseases in the country?

The month of May is peak season for allergies as well as asthma, which is why it was named National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, as a way of educating people everywhere about these common — and disruptive — conditions, and to empower communities to improve and even save lives.

Here are some important facts to know about allergies and asthma, so you can better understand the impact these conditions can have on individuals and families, and so you know how take action, if you’re suffering.

1. While seasonal allergies are the most common type of allergy in this country, there are a number of other types that affect people. Just a few examples of those frequently seen include skin allergies, food allergies, drug allergies, latex allergies and insect allergies (which revolve around a reaction to insect stings, or could also refer to a nasal or skin reaction to cockroaches and dust mites). Then there are the less common allergies you may not be familiar with: people can be allergic to water (aquagenic urticaria), the sun, the cold, coins, sweat and even exercise.

2. Asthma can be triggered by a number of factors, including exposure to an allergen (such as pollen or animal dander), pollution or irritants in the air, or even extreme weather conditions. Some people with asthma might experience symptoms when they become ill with a respiratory condition, or when they exercise. And Asthma can be dangerous if it’s not treated: more than 3,500 people die from it each year.

3. Food allergy diagnoses have been on the rise in recent years, for children as well as adults, and that’s a growing concern. There are nine types of food that are the most common allergens, and could cause reactions in the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system or the respiratory tract. Those foods include the following:

    • Eggs
    • Dairy
    • Peanuts
    • Tree nuts
    • Fish
    • Shellfish
    • Wheat
    • Soy
    • Sesame

4. Asthma impacts some communities more than others. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Black, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native people have the highest rates of asthma, deaths and hospitalizations. Compared to white Americans, for example, Black Americans are 1.5 times more likely to have asthma and Puerto Rican Americans are twice as likely. Black women have the highest rates of asthma-related deaths.

5. If you have allergies and/or asthma, there are actions you can take to avoid triggers and keep symptoms at bay. To improve indoor air quality, the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America offers the following advice:

    • Avoid bringing allergens and irritants into your home and get rid of items that might be causing problems. Common sources include pets, carpet, soft furniture, stuffed toys, bedding, uncontrolled dampness, indoor plants, mattresses that don’t have allergy covers, pillows and bedding that haven’t been (or can’t be) washed in hot water.
    • Control dust mites by keeping your home clean and uncluttered and using allergen-resistant or plastic covers on bedding and pillows.
    • Vacuum at least once a week.
    • Keep windows and doors closed so pollen doesn’t get in.
    • Take steps to reduce lingering moisture that could cause mold spores.
    • Avoid leaving out food or garbage that could attract cockroaches.

If you find that you’re suffering from symptoms of allergies and/or asthma, make an appointment with your doctor or an allergist, which is a physician trained in diagnosing, treating and managing allergies, asthma and immune disorders. They can help you understand what’s affecting you and why, and share steps you can take to — hopefully — find relief.