Buzz
If you’ve been noticing a worsening of your asthma symptoms recently, it’s not just in your head: Late September is known as 'asthma peak week' due to the overlap of various asthma-triggers.
For starters, ragweed pollen is in full force. This is the time of year when it’s unavoidable. Ragweed, a wind-pollinated plant, releases billions of pollen grains from its unassuming flowers. (It blooms alongside the vibrant yellow-flowered goldenrod, but they’re two different plants.)
Additionally, with children heading back to school, germs spread quickly, and the season of colds, flu, and other respiratory infections kicks off.
As we spend more time indoors during the fall, indoor allergies can worsen too. Perhaps you haven't vacuumed your couch cushions to remove dust mites, or maybe your friends are hosting gatherings at homes filled with cat dander instead of outdoor barbecues.
How should you manage peak week? Just like you would handle allergies, colds, and other asthma triggers throughout the year. However, knowing that this is a particularly challenging time, you can be more proactive:
Wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with sick individuals
Clean blankets and pillows, and vacuum your home to reduce dust if you're allergic
Monitor pollen levels and consider changing your clothes or shoes after spending time outside to prevent bringing pollen inside
For more tips, check out our guide to allergy-proofing your house. Now is also a great time to ensure you have enough allergy and asthma medications on hand, and that your rescue inhaler is fully stocked with puffs.
