Why Is My Asthma So Bad This Fall?

Anyone can suffer from asthma or have difficulty breathing. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can occur all year round, but it is especially common during fall allergy season.

Hospitalizations and ER visits for asthma spike during September, especially among school-age children. Approximately 25% of all asthma-related hospitalizations for children occur in September, giving it the name “Asthma Peak Month”. Read on to learn why asthma flare-ups peak in the fall, how to reduce flare-ups and when to seek care.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that inflames and narrows the airways in your lungs, making it harder to breathe. Common asthma symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and persistent coughing. Asthma severity varies, but the condition can develop at any age for both kids and adults.

When your asthma symptoms suddenly worsen, you may be having an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, your airways become even more inflamed and constricted, further restricting the airflow. When having an asthma attack, you may experience severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing, blue lips or nails, and/or difficulty speaking. These signs of respiratory distress can wake you frequently at night, disturbing your sleep and causing fatigue, which increases the risk of asthma flare-ups.

What is Asthma Peak Month?

September is known as Asthma Peak Month due to the significant rise in asthma-related urgent care and ER visits. The third week of September, often referred to as Asthma Peak Week, has the highest concentration of asthma attacks and ER visits for the entire year.

What are fall asthma triggers?

There are many reasons why September and the start of fall cause respiratory issues – some that are within your control, and others that aren’t.

Common fall triggers include:

• Viral infections – A new school year brings children into close contact, leading to the rapid spread of respiratory viruses like colds, flu, RSV, and more.
• Allergen exposure – Ragweed pollen is a major outdoor allergen that peaks during this time, while mold is often found on decaying leaves.
• Indoor irritants – As temperatures cool and you begin spending more time indoors, you are more exposed to indoor triggers like dust mites, mold, and pet dander.
• Weather changes – Speaking of cooler temperatures, cool air is known to cause asthma symptoms.
• Routine disruptions – Changes in your daily routine – such as earlier wake times for school or busier family schedules – also likely play a role in the September spike.

How to reduce asthma flare-ups

Make your home an easier place to breathe all year long with these tips:

• Improve indoor air quality – Use air purifiers or air purifying plants to help remove toxins from the air in your home and improve internal air quality.
• Clean regularly – Cleaning your home regularly helps reduce the presence of microorganisms and irritants.
• Use allergen-proof bedding – Allergen-proof bedding helps reduce your exposure to dust mites and other allergens as you sleep.
• Go fragrance-free – Fragrance-free cleaners and other products can help you avoid respiratory irritation caused by chemical fragrances.

If you have a child with asthma, make sure to share their written Asthma Action Plan (AAP) with family members, teachers, and other caregivers.

When to seek care for asthma?

If you experience severe asthma symptoms like difficulty breathing or respiratory distress, call 911 immediately or go to the ER.

If experiencing less severe, but persistent symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, frequent coughing, and rapid breathing, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment.

vybe is well-equipped to treat mild asthma symptoms and help you develop a treatment plan moving forward, including providing referrals to specialists. Walk in or schedule an appointment online 7 days a week at any of our convenient locations today!

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