It’s Asthma Peak Week – Here’s How To Get Ready

It’s Asthma Peak Week -
Here’s How To Get Ready

Woman and an Inhaler

Did you know that there’s a time of year when germs and allergens work together to make our lives miserable? It’s called Asthma Peak Week, and this week will have the greatest impact on the millions of Americans who live with asthma and allergies. While everyone with asthma needs to take extra precautions when this week arrives, children, senior citizens and those with compromised immune function are especially vulnerable.


What is Asthma Peak Week?

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, hospitalizations related to asthma rise every September, the third week of the month being the worst. Even in private practices, doctors see more cases of asthma episodes and attacks. What causes this?

It turns out that a perfect storm comes together and makes things harder for people with asthma and allergies. The start of cold and flu season coincides with kids going back to school. Not only are they exposed to respiratory illnesses, but they spread them to family members, too. At the same time, ragweed and mold counts go up, making September a brutal month for breathing.


Get Your Asthma Under Control 

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Make a yearly appointment with your healthcare provider every August to keep your asthma under control. Even if everything seems fine, prioritize this annual review to protect your health.

Review the dosages and types of inhalers you’re using. Are they still as effective as they used to be? Have any other products come onto the market that might be a better fit? Also, discuss any long-term control medication you’ve been prescribed and evaluate whether it’s still needed.


Stock Up on Inhalers

Those who have been prescribed a short-term “rescue inhaler” may not need it daily, but it’s important to have them on hand in case of an asthma attack. Make it a habit to check inhalers monthly. Find out how much is left in the container and whether it’s past its expiration date. This can be life-saving information!

If you have children with asthma who attend school, make sure they have spare inhalers in case one runs out or gets lost. Review school policies, speak to the staff and your child’s teacher and come up with a plan of action to keep them safe.


Avoid Getting Sick

Coming down with a cold or flu may not be a big deal for some, but it can be very difficult for asthma sufferers. They already experience tightness and constriction in their airways, so battling a cough and congestion can be rough.

The best daily defense against illness is to wash hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Carry hand sanitizer for when you can’t get to a sink and encourage others to give you a fist bump instead of a handshake, when necessary. Also, it might not seem very friendly, but avoid people who are already sick. If you must interact with them, one of you can wear a protective mask.

Finally, it’s recommended that those with asthma get a yearly flu shot as well as the pneumococcal vaccine. This can help prevent pneumonia and other illnesses.


Avoid Asthma Triggers

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology states that, in addition to illnesses, “An asthma attack can be triggered by exposure to an allergen, such as tree, grass or weed pollen, dust mites, cockroaches or animal dander. Other common triggers are irritants in the air, such as smoke or chemical fumes and strong odors, such as perfume.”

Here are some steps you can take to minimize your exposure to triggers:

  • Take off your shoes and change into indoor clothing when you enter your home
  • Keep doors and windows closed during peak allergen season
  • Use an air filter that is certified asthma and allergy friendly
  • Shower before going to bed

Integrating these steps into your day may be cumbersome at first, but before long it will become your routine. The potential health benefits make it worth the effort.


Take Care of Yourself

This is true for just about anything, but if you’re living with asthma and/or allergies, you’ll want to take good care of yourself during Asthma Peak Week. Make sure you get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet. Managing stress is also an essential part of any strategy for managing asthma.

Of course, always be courteous of others who are also trying to stay healthy. If you come down with something, do your best to stay home. Be part of the solution, not the problem. When we all work together, we’ll get through Asthma Peak Week much stronger!

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Metroplex Wellness
950 East State Highway 114 #160-108
Southlake, TX 76092
(214) 205-2661