Asthma Peak Week Preparation: A Parent’s Guide

Welcome to our latest Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast on the September Asthma Peak! In this episode, we talk about how parents can help their kids with asthma get ready for fall. September is known for Asthma Peak Week, a time when asthma attacks and ER visits tend to rise across the country.

This episode is produced in partnership with The Itch Podcast. Co-hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney talk with Sherrina Gibson, a mom to an 11-year-old with asthma. She shares everyday tips for keeping her home as safe as possible. This includes cleaning routines, working with schools and coaches, and helping her daughter notice asthma symptoms early. Dr. Gupta explains how tools like an Asthma Action Plan and seasonal medication changes can help kids stay safe during this high-risk time of year.

You can listen to the podcast on ItchPodcast.com or download it for listening anytime, anywhere, at:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any mention of brands is also informational and not an endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.

Thank you to AstraZeneca and Amgen for sponsoring this podcast episode.

Why parents and guardians need to prepare for fall asthma

Asthma can be harder to control in late summer and early fall when many triggers happen at once including ragweed pollen, cooler nights, school viruses, mold from wet leaves, and the stress of new routines.

For parents and guardians, this means taking extra precautions, like preparing the home, updating medicines, working with schools and coaches, and teaching kids to notice symptoms early so they can act before an asthma flare gets worse.

Key tips for parents during Asthma Peak Week

Get a first-hand account from a mom who manages asthma for both her daughter and her husband. She shares what has helped her family, along with advice that may guide other parents:

  • Parenting with asthma: Sherrina shares her story about raising a child with asthma and how her family prepares for the fall.
  • Asthma management at home: Cleaning, decluttering, washing bedding, and clearing wet leaves to reduce triggers.
  • Asthma Peak Week explained: Why symptoms get worse in September and what families can do to prepare.
  • Asthma action plans: Why every family should have one and keep copies at home, at school, and in your child’s bag.
  • Helping kids with asthma: Teaching children how to notice symptoms, use their inhaler the right way, and ask for help when needed.

Timestamps for podcast on preparing for Asthma Peak Week

01:16 – Sherrina’s story about her family and asthma

03:09 – A warning sign: using extra muscles to breathe

05:24 – The atopic march and why it can lead to asthma

06:45 – What Asthma Peak Week means

07:07 – How Sherrina gets her family ready for fall asthma triggers

12:16 – Why every family needs an asthma action plan

13:41 – Changing asthma medicines during different seasons

17:35 – Everyday asthma care for kids

21:41 – Teaching kids how to spot their own asthma symptoms

28:32 – Helping kids with the social side of asthma and staying safe at school

31:15 – Sherrina’s main tip for families with asthma

More resources about asthma peak week

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