As summer winds down and children head back to school, it’s a time to be vigilant about your child’s asthma and allergy management. September, often referred to as Asthma Peak Month, poses increased risks for kids with asthma. According to Dr. Gailen Marshall, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), returning to school leads to more virus transmission and higher levels of environmental allergens, such as mold and ragweed. Additionally, children may have lapsed in their regular asthma management routines over the summer, contributing to a surge in asthma attacks and hospitalizations.
Understanding the September Spike
Increased Exposure to Viruses
With children back in school, the spread of viruses like the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, and RSV becomes more common. These respiratory viruses are known triggers for asthma attacks. The crowded conditions in classrooms facilitate the transmission of these infections, making it crucial to take preventative measures.
“September is known as Asthma Peak Month because kids have returned to school, and viruses are being passed around,” says allergist Dr. Gailen Marshall, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Environmental Allergens
September sees a rise in environmental allergens, including mold and ragweed. These allergens can exacerbate asthma symptoms, especially in children who are sensitive to them. Regular monitoring and management of these allergens are essential to keep asthma symptoms under control.
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Lapses in Asthma Management
“In addition, children may have stopped their regular asthma management routine over the summer,” Marshall added in an ACAAI news release. “Generally, allergists see an increase in patients in September — more asthma attacks and more hospitalizations — especially in children.”
Proactive Steps You Take
The good news is that there are ways you can help your child keep their allergy and asthma symptoms at bay as the school year resumes, Marshall says.
RELATED: How To Manage Asthma At School: A Guide For Parents
1. Find an allergist.
A preschool appointment with a board-certified allergist can arm you with an allergy or asthma action plan that identifies triggers and prepares prescriptions. Asthmatic kids under the care of an allergist have a 77 percent reduction in lost time from school, Marshall says.
2. Teamwork helps.
It’s important to work with your child’s teacher regarding their allergies and asthma, Marshall says. Most teachers have experience helping kids with asthma. Be sure to share your child’s treatment plan with school staff, including their asthma triggers and any treatments or medications they use.
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3. Avoid viruses.
Respiratory viruses like the common cold, influenza, COVID-19 and RSV all contribute to asthma attacks. Make sure your children are vaccinated against viruses that spread in crowded classrooms, and teach them ways to lower their risk, like proper hand hygiene.
4. Confirm any food allergies.
Unreliable sources and home tests sometimes provide misinformation about the food allergies a child might have. It’s important to work with an allergist to confirm any suspected food allergies, and to notify the school about anything your child can’t eat. About five percent to eight percent of children have been diagnosed with food allergies, and it’s important that they know of them and are armed with an epinephrine pen in case of an emergency.
5. Let them play ball.
Exercise is good for everyone, even children with asthma or allergies. Children should be able to take part in sports they like, if they follow their allergists’ advice. Playground games, phys ed, and after-school sports all can trigger some constriction of the airways, but a child with well-controlled asthma should still be able to participate. In fact, asthma symptoms during exercise can indicate poorly controlled asthma that needs medical attention.
