September is peak allergy and asthma month

This is a calendar illustration of the month of September.

Labor Day weekend will signal the start of the worst month of the year for allergy and asthma patients. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), a combination of factors converge to create the September Asthma Peak.

September typically sees the highest number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to asthma, the AAFA said. Factors contributing to the asthma peak include:  

  • Back-to-school: Children are exposed to poor air quality, allergens and airway irritants when they return to school. Additionally, crowded classrooms are a hotbed for germs.  
  • Respiratory infections: This year, there is a COVID-19 surge just as kids are starting the school year. Flu, RSV and other respiratory virus seasons also tend to start within weeks of school returning. School-age children tend to get sick first and then spread the illness to their families. 
  • Ragweed: Ragweed pollen season peaks in late summer and early fall. Pollen triggers asthma in people with pollen allergy and allergic asthma, the most common type of asthma. 
  • Mold: Indoor and outdoor mold counts increase in some areas. Outdoor molds grow on decaying plant matter like fallen leaves. Indoor molds grow when the humidity levels inside increase and air ventilation decreases. Mold is an airway irritant and common allergen. 
  • Weather: Extreme weather or natural disasters related to climate change may occur in late summer and early fall and worsen air quality. Parts of the country may experience heat waves, wildfires, thunderstorms or hurricanes during this time.   

“During any given year, around 25% of asthma-related hospital stays for children happen in September,” said AAFA President and CEO Kenneth Mendez, MBA. “Worsening asthma symptoms in children are responsible for more missed days of school than any other chronic disease. We’re raising the alarm now so children with asthma and their caregivers can take the steps necessary to make sure their asthma is under control.” 

To prepare for the September Asthma Peak and control asthma symptoms, the AAFA reminds physicians to encourage their allergy and asthma patients to schedule a visit or see an asthma specialist to review medicines, monitor symptoms, follow their asthma action plan, stay up to date with seasonal vaccines for respiratory infections such as the flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumonia, manage allergies and indoor air quality, consider wearing a mask in crowded places, wash hands and stay away from sick people as much as possible and get plenty of rest, water and healthy food. 

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