September Asthma Peak Week and Understanding Fall Triggers

Welcome to our newest Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast series! This episode focuses on how to recognize and manage asthma triggers in the fall. It also looks at how to prepare for Asthma Peak Week, a time in September when asthma attacks and ER visits tend to increase – especially among children – nationwide.

This episode is produced in partnership with The Itch Podcast. Co-hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney are joined by allergist Kristin Sokol, MD, to discuss why fall can be especially risky for people with asthma. They discuss practical steps to keep symptoms under control.

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.

Managing asthma in the fall

Asthma symptoms can get worse for some children and adults in late summer and early fall. This is due to several asthma triggers that are prevalent during this time. You may have higher ragweed pollen counts, more colds and viruses as school starts, cooler weather, and extra stress from schedule changes.

This can help create a perfect storm of asthma triggers that culminate in what’s called the Asthma Peak Week – typically the third week of September when asthma cases tend to rise in emergency departments across the country.

Key takeaways for managing fall asthma

Here are some of the most important points from this episode about asthma triggers and asthma peak week:

  • Understanding asthma: Why even mild asthma should be checked by your doctor before the fall.
  • Identifying triggers: From seasonal pollen to surprising emotional triggers, know what can make your asthma worse.
  • Preparing for Asthma Peak Week: Learn how viruses, ragweed pollen, and stress can create a dangerous flare period, and what you can do to stay safe.
  • Staying in control: Learn ways to avoid or reduce trigger exposure, get ready for school, and keep your asthma action plan up to date.

Timestamps for our episode on asthma peak week

01:01 – Meet Dr. Sokol

01:26 – What asthma is and why allergists help treat it

03:03 – Asthma triggers

07:14 – Ways to avoid asthma triggers

13:05 – Asthma Peak Week 

14:24 – How to keep asthma under control

16:27 – Why it’s important to take your asthma medicine as prescribed

18:22 – How to get ready for Asthma Peak Week with an asthma action plan

20:51 – Making sure your medicines are up to date

23:58 – Final tips for getting ready for Asthma Peak Week

More resources about asthma peak week

More podcasts about asthma