As the seasons change and allergens arise, asthma symptoms begin to worsen in both children and adults. While September is recognized as Peak Asthma Month, the third week of September is known as Peak Asthma Week – when allergens and illnesses are at their highest.
Asthma is a lung disease characterized by narrowing of the airways causing repeated episodes or attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or cough. Asthma attacks can be triggered by factors including allergens, air pollution, exercise, strong odors, cold weather and more. Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the US, affecting more than 20 million adults and 4 million children, and is more common in women than men. In Kentucky alone, over 500,000 adults and over 40,000 children have asthma.
During Peak Asthma Week, triggers such as outdoor and indoor allergens, mold, respiratory viruses and weather changes spike, leading to more asthma attacks and high asthma-related hospitalization rates and emergency room visits. Environmental triggers such as pollen peak in mid-September, causing allergic asthma symptoms in many people. The transition from summer to fall weather can also irritate airways, while changes in humidity in temperature can make airways more sensitive.
The back-to-school season also contributes to Peak Asthma Week as the start of the school year increases exposure to viruses, leading to a rise in respiratory infections that can trigger asthma flareups. Stress and anxiety associated with returning to school and work schedules may also contribute to worsened asthma symptoms.
