#170 - When Asthma Peak Week Hits Adults

Most asthma peak week coverage focuses on kids heading back to school. But adults with asthma are just as much at risk, and often don't realize it until they're already in trouble.

Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta are joined by allergist Dr. Ashwin Shankar to talk about why asthma peak week hits adults hard, how normalizing symptoms can quietly put you at risk, and what steps to take before the season catches up with you.

What we cover in this episode about adult asthma peak week

• What asthma peak week is, and why fall hits so hard. The third week of September brings the highest asthma-related ER visits and hospitalizations of the year.
• Where fall triggers hide. Teachers and school staff face mold in buildings that sat closed all summer, outdoor workers get hit with ragweed and sudden cold mornings, and farm workers stir up mold and dust during harvest.
• Why even controlled asthma can slip during peak week. Trigger load stacks up fast this time of year, and a flare during peak week doesn't mean you're doing something wrong.
• The adult habit of normalizing symptoms. Skipping hikes, avoiding stairs, or accepting a lingering cough are signs asthma isn't controlled, not just signs of getting older.
• How to get ahead of peak week before it hits. Confirm your asthma action plan, track how often you're reaching for your rescue inhaler, and get your flu shot at least two weeks before September ramps up.

Resources

• Do You Have an Asthma Action Plan?
• A Comprehensive Guide for Asthma Treatments & Medication
• 10 Ways to Stay Healthy During the September Asthma Peak Week
• Lifestyle Changes to Manage Asthma

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Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to AstraZeneca and Amgen for sponsoring today’s episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.