What's the September Asthma Epidemic?

 

Have you heard of "Asthma Peak Week"? 

Asthma Peak Week happens the 3rd week of September every year.  

What is Asthma Peak Week?

There are more asthma flares, ER visits, and children hospitalized with asthma during the 3rd week of September than any other time of year. 

Weird, right? 

You might think the worst time of year for asthma flares and asthma hospital visits is in the winter, during flu season. But - its right after school starts.  

Doctors and hospitals noticed this trend happening the 3rd week of every year, and it's so common that researchers have studied it and it's well documented.   

They dubbed it Asthma Peak Week.  

So Why is the 3rd Week of September Asthma Peak Week?

Many kids go back to school in September (or August in some states). 

There are many things that seem to converge at the same time kids go back to school. 

Environmental triggers such as:

• weather changes 
• fall pollen (ragweed)
• outdoor molds   
• poor indoor air quality 
• strong cleaning supplies  
• air pollution from idling cars and buses in front of the school 

Small classrooms with poor air circulation and bad hand washing means all germs are passed around the classroom. 

Sending kids to school when they are sick 

Many students are sent to school when they are sick - and then they infect the other students. Respiratory infections are particularly dangerous for those with asthma.

My children were hospitalized multiple times because a simple cold caught at school morphed into RSV or pneumonia.   

Skipping doses of asthma inhalers 

During summer, children may skip their asthma inhalers because they are traveling or their routine changes, so they forget. 

Or, they may "feel fine", so they stop taking their daily, controller, anti-inflammatory asthma inhalers. 

That means they are heading back to schools with lungs that are already swollen, so it may not take much to cause an asthma flare.  

When my kids were young, I nagged them and made sure they used their inhalers year round. With severe asthma, it's best to not take summer off.

Students may also struggle with the transition of going from the lazy days of summer to school, which can cause stress, problems with sleep schedules and changes to daily routines.  

Asthma Action Plans & Self Administration Forms 

I made sure my kids had a new asthma action plan and self administration form filled out every summer before school started. 

We met with the school nurse and teacher so they were on the same page if my children had an asthma attack at school. 

My kids had a LOT of experience with asthma and could recognize their asthma triggers, knew when they were having an asthma attack, and could use their inhaler correctly. 

If your children are in school, fingers crossed they don't end up in the ER or hospital this time of year. 

I know how hard it can be. That was my life for many years. 

Hugs, 

Andrea