Approximately 25 million people in the U.S. have asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). This figure equals one in 13 Americans, including 7% of children and 8% of adults.(1) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year 1.6 million visits to the emergency departments are due to asthma.(2)

Asthma hospitalizations rise each September for several reasons, states the AAFA. It is the height of ragweed season in many areas of the country, and at the same time falling leaves result in higher mold counts. School buildings that have been closed for months open, sometimes with a buildup of irritants. While the September surge in asthma attacks affects mainly children, adults can be affected as well.(3) One quarter of children’s asthma hospitalizations occur in September.(4) The third week of September each year is designated as Allergy Peak Week.

The AAFA offers these strategies for people affected by asthma to stay healthy during September.

• Stick to your asthma action plan. Take your long-term control medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
• Get the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine can reduce your chances of having more severe illness and being admitted to the hospital.
• Get the flu shot. The vaccine is available now. It takes two weeks to take effect in your body, so get the shot as soon as it is available.
• Wear a mask. Masks help reduce your exposure to pollen. Studies from 2020 have shown that children had fewer asthma-related emergency room visits thanks to face masks, along with other preventive steps.
• Wash your hands often and stay away from people who are sick.
• Avoid triggers
• Work with your doctor to make sure your asthma is under control.(3)

Xtract Solutions offers cloud-based software, designed to organize the allergy practice, from initial testing through to successful completion of immunotherapy.