What Causes Asthma Peak Season?<\/a><\/p>\n How Are Respiratory Infection and Asthma Seasons Connected?<\/a><\/p>\n 8 Steps to Staying Healthy and Controlling Asthma During Peak Season<\/a><\/p>\n What Should I Do If I Have an Asthma Attack?<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Asthma Peak Definition” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Historically, September has been called Asthma Peak Month, and the third week of September has been called \u201cAsthma Peak Week.\u201d But data analysis by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) shows asthma \u201cpeaks\u201d can happen in other months, especially during the winter.1<\/sup><\/p>\n While asthma peaks can change based on time and place, September is an important time to raise awareness because it is when asthma attacks, emergency room visits, and hospital stays start to climb \u2013 especially in children.<\/p>\n Asthma is a disease that narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe. The narrowing in the airways is caused by swelling (inflammation), small muscles squeezing around the airways (constriction), and extra mucus. This narrowing can get worse when a person with asthma:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/_yFKMbELvDU?si=HGuF9PO7JrbothX6″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Video – Asthma Peak Podcast” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – What Causes Asthma Peak Season?” module_id=”cause” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Starting in September and through the winter months, people with asthma come in contact with several asthma triggers<\/a>\u00a0at once:<\/p>\n Being around all of these asthma triggers at the same time can make asthma harder to control.<\/p>\n Emergency department visits for asthma from 2021 to 2025 show an increase around September (shown as yellow segments in the chart below). But they keep going up into the winter. The fewest asthma emergencies happen during the summer months.<\/p>\n Overall peaks for asthma-related emergency department visits vary. But asthma emergencies in children tend to peak around September to October.1<\/sup> September can be especially tough for kids who are exposed to back-to-school illnesses and poor indoor air quality in schools, weed pollen, and mold at the same time.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – How Are Respiratory Infections and Asthma Peak Season Connected?” module_id=”connection” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Respiratory illnesses like\u00a0flu<\/a>, COVID-19<\/a>, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)<\/a>, and colds<\/strong>\u00a0are common asthma triggers.<\/p>\n People with asthma are at higher risk for having serious complications (other health issues), like pneumonia or even death from respiratory infections. For people living with asthma, respiratory infections often cause more emergency department visits, hospital stays and missed school and workdays. Getting sick with a respiratory infection can make it harder for someone with asthma to breathe, especially older adults or people with moderate to severe asthma.<\/p>\n Emergency department visits for asthma in children start to rise in September. They keep going up along with respiratory virus season. This lines up with kids going back to school in August and September. Close contact and crowded classrooms help illnesses spread more easily. Respiratory infection season also starts with the end of summer when people start spending more time indoors. Kids get sick at school and then spread the illness to adults and young children at home.<\/p>\n Older adults have a higher risk of death from asthma, as well as respiratory infections. Older adults have weaker immune systems that make them more likely to have serious complications.<\/p>\n In 2025, the months with the most asthma-related emergency department visits (January, February, March, and December) are also the months with the most flu-related visits.1<\/sup><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” admin_label=”Asthma Peak Slider” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/asthma-peak-september-01-SM.jpg” admin_title=”Asthma-related emergency department visits begin to go up in September.” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F5EDDF” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Asthma-related emergency department visits begin to go up in September.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/asthma-peak-affects-kids-first-02-SM.jpg” admin_title=”The asthma peak usually affects kids first.” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F5EDDF” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Children returning to school in the fall tend to get sick first and then bring illnesses home to their families and older adults.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/new-school-year-and-asthma-triggers-03-SM.jpg” admin_title=”When kids start a new school year, they are exposed to a lot of asthma triggers” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F5EDDF” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n When kids start a new school year, they can come in contact with respiratory infections, mold, and poor indoor air quality at school.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/respiratory-illnesses-and-asthma-04-SM.jpg” admin_title=”Respiratory infection season and Asthma Peak Season follow the same pattern, so get vaccines for the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 as soon as they are available.” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F5EDDF” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Respiratory infection season and Asthma Peak Season follow the same pattern, so get vaccines for the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 as soon as they are available.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/ragweed-peak-in-fall-05-SM.jpg” admin_title=”Ragweed pollen causes most of the allergy symptoms during the fall.” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F5EDDF” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Talk with your doctor about how you can treat your ragweed pollen allergy.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mold-exposure-in-fall-06-SM.jpg” admin_title=”People get exposed to mold in the fall.” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F5EDDF” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Mold counts increase in the fall and which irritate airways and cause asthma and allergy symptoms.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/extreme-weather-causes-asthma-symptoms-07-SM.jpg” admin_title=”Allergens and irritants from extreme weather, like hurricanes and wildfires, can trigger asthma symptoms.” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F5EDDF” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Weather changes, extreme heat or cold, humidity, thunderstorms, and wildfires are all asthma triggers.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/asthma-peak-talk-with-doctor-08-SM.jpg” admin_title=”Follow your Asthma Action Plan to know what to do if you have asthma symptoms.” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F5EDDF” background_enable_color=”on” background_layout=”light” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Follow your Asthma Action Plan. Take your medicines as directed. Know your asthma zones and know how to recognize an asthma emergency.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – 8 Steps to Staying Healthy and Controlling Asthma During Asthma Peak Season” module_id=”steps” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The best way to manage your asthma is to prevent symptoms before they begin.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – What Should I Do If I Have an Asthma Episode or Attack?” module_id=”attack” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n No matter how hard you try to keep your asthma under control, you may still have asthma symptoms. Follow your Asthma Action Plan<\/a> and the steps below when you have symptoms:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Sponsorship Statement” module_class=”med-rev clearfix” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#008C99″ link_font_size=”16px” header_5_font=”|600|||||||” header_5_text_align=”left” header_5_text_color=”#008c99″ custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Acknowledgement: This content is developed independently by AAFA and made possible by support from Amgen.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Medical Review” module_class=”med-rev clearfix” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#008C99″ link_font_size=”16px” header_5_font=”|600|||||||” header_5_text_align=”left” header_5_text_color=”#008c99″ custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Medical Review<\/a>: August 2024 by Neeta Odgen, MD<\/small><\/p>\n Editorial Review and Updated: August 2026 by Melanie Carver, Chief Mission Officer. Updates include new data analysis from \u201cThe Influence of Time and Place on Asthma: ASTHMA PEAK SEASON\u201d in AAFA\u2019s 2026 Asthma Capitals\u00ae report and most recent information for RSV vaccination.\u00a0<\/small><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ toggle_icon=”L||divi||400″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”20px” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Reference” module_id=”references” module_class=”accord pa-accordion” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” toggle_font=”|600|||||||” toggle_font_size=”22px” closed_toggle_font=”|600|||||||” closed_toggle_font_size=”22px” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#505050″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.4em” body_link_font=”||||on|||#008C99|” text_orientation=”left” width=”24″ height=”24″ height_tablet=”” height_phone=”” height_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector {|| height: auto !important;|| width: auto !important;||}||||.et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| font-size: 20px;|| position: absolute;|| color: #FFFFFF;|| font-family: ETmodules !important;|| font-weight: 400 !important;|| content: %22%924c%22 !important;|| right: 2% !important;|| display: inline-block !important;||}||.accord .et_pb_toggle_content {|| color: #008c99;|| font-size: 16px;|| font-weight: 500;||}” border_width_all=”0px” global_module=”8665″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Closed” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Reference” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_code admin_label=”Print” module_id=”print” module_class=”clearfix” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”5156″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
What Causes Asthma Peak Season?<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nHow Are Respiratory Infections and Asthma Peak Season Connected?<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n\u200b8 Steps to Staying Healthy and Controlling Asthma During Asthma Peak Season<\/h2>\n
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What Should I Do If I Have an Asthma Episode or Attack?<\/h2>\n
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Data source for ED visit rates:
For each MSA, AAFA obtained the total number of emergency department visits where an asthma and flu ICD-10 codes were included as a diagnosis from the Komodo Healthcare Map for the most recent calendar year (2025).\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n