December 15, 2025
Practical Tips Can Improve Allergy and Asthma Health in 2026
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (December 16, 2025) – As the New Year approaches, your thoughts might be turning to resolutions to improve your health. If you are one of the millions of Americans living with allergies or asthma, know that small, practical changes can lead to big improvements in daily comfort and long-term health.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) encourages people to use the New Year as a chance to evaluate their current management strategies and adopt resolutions that support better symptom control and overall wellness.
“Allergies and asthma don’t have to hold you back,” says allergist Cherie Zachary, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “With thoughtful, practical steps and support from a board-certified allergist, you can reduce flare-ups, improve quality of life, and breathe easier throughout the whole year.”
Below are five ACAAI-recommended resolutions to help guide your 2026 health goals:
- Schedule a Check-In With Your Allergist
Resolve to make an appointment with a board-certified allergist early in the year. Regular check-ups ensure your treatment plan is up to date, your medications are working as intended, and any new or worsening symptoms are addressed. Adjustments may be necessary due to changes in weight, health insurance coverage, or symptom patterns. - Prioritize a Healthy Diet and Hydration
What you eat can impact your immune system and allergy triggers. Adopt a balanced diet that avoids known food allergens and supports overall nutrition. Staying well-hydrated also helps maintain moisture in your respiratory tract and skin, which can benefit those with allergies or eczema. Drink plenty of water and use moisturizers to reduce irritation and dryness in the colder months. - Focus on Mental Well-Being to Reduce Symptoms
Stress and anxiety are more than emotional burdens — they can make allergy and asthma symptoms worse. Building stress management techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or leisure activities you enjoy, can help keep your immune system balanced and reduce the likelihood of flare-ups. - Keep Vaccinations and Preventive Care Current
Respiratory infections such as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 can be particularly dangerous for people with asthma or compromised respiratory systems. Ensure you are up to date on recommended vaccines and boosters to help protect your lungs throughout cold and flu season. - Stay Active With Asthma-Friendly Exercise
Regular physical activity supports heart and lung health. For those with asthma, it may be helpful to use your prescribed pre-exercise inhaler and choose workouts suited to your condition. If air quality is poor or weather conditions are extreme, consider indoor options like yoga or low-impact cardio. Breathing exercises, such as those practiced in yoga, can even help strengthen respiratory function.
These resolutions offer accessible and practical goals for anyone living with allergies or asthma — whether you’re seeking to reduce daily symptoms or enhance your overall wellness in the year ahead.
“Simple lifestyle adjustments and preventative care can make a meaningful difference for people managing these conditions,” Dr. Zachary added. “Starting the year with a plan tailored to your needs is a powerful first step toward better health.”
For more tips on allergy and asthma management, and to find a board-certified allergist near you, visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.
About ACAAI
The 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 X/Twitter, Instagram and Threads.
