Asthma Peak Week is Approaching
September is a peak time for asthma attacks in the United States. According to the Allergy and Asthma Network, this is when emergency department visits and hospital admissions for asthma tend to rise to their highest levels, especially among children.
Why does this happen? September is a time when adults and children are exposed to more allergy and asthma triggers such as ragweed pollen, indoor and outdoor mold and respiratory viruses. It’s especially problematic for children exposed to more asthma triggers after school starts in September. These triggers can cause asthma attacks.
What are 10 ways to stay healthy during the September Asthma Peak?
Preparation is the key to staying healthy during the September Asthma Peak. Here are 10 things you should plan for in the days leading up to and during the month of September:
- Schedule an asthma checkup for all family members before September. Discuss your current asthma control at this checkup. Uncontrolled asthma will increase your risk of flare-ups heading into the fall.
- Review your Asthma Action Plan. This is a treatment plan you develop with your doctor that details what you should do if you develop asthma symptoms. If necessary, adapt the Asthma Action Plan if your exposure to asthma triggers is higher during the month of September. Update your child’s Asthma Action Plan and make sure the school nurse has a copy.
- Make sure all asthma medications are refilled leading up to the month of September – including before children return to school. Double check the expiration date on your quick-relief inhaler.
- Take controller inhalers as prescribed, including during the summer months. Studies show the lowest fill rate for asthma medications is in July. At doctor appointments, show how you use your inhaler to confirm you are using it correctly.
- Keep or carry medications at school and work, especially a quick-relief inhaler to treat sudden asthma attacks.
- Use a peak flow meter. This is a device that can signal brewing lung problems and alert you to a coming asthma attack.
- Identify and avoid asthma triggers, especially if you or your child has allergic asthma. If ragweed season is a problem, exercise indoors. For schoolchildren, talk with teachers about offering the option of staying inside during recess or gym class. Ask if the school can keep windows closed and keep pets out of classroom to avoid animal dander. Talk with the custodial staff to find out what cleaning chemicals are used in school buildings. It may be worth it to take these extra precautions.
- Get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines early to prevent infections and/or severe symptoms. Flu vaccines are usually available at pharmacies by late August.
- Encourage frequent handwashing to reduce the risk of catching a cold or a virus. Many schools and workplaces are providing hand sanitizers.
- If you have severe asthma that is not well controlled despite taking a daily controller medication, talk with an asthma specialist. It’s important to have good asthma control at all times of the year. New precision medications called biologics are available. These medications target the source of symptoms at the cell level rather than treat the symptoms themselves.
