The Itch: Allergies, Asthma, Eczema & Immunology14 Aug 2025

#124 - Asthma peak week and understanding triggers

As summer winds down and September approaches, many people with asthma notice their symptoms getting worse. This is no coincidence as more asthma triggers appear during this time of year, from pollen and viruses to stress and weather changes. This combination peaks during Asthma Peak Week, a time when asthma attacks and ER visits spike across the country.

Allergist Dr. Kristin Sokol joins us to discuss seasonal asthma triggers, why fall can be especially risky, and how you can prepare to keep your asthma under control.

You’ll learn how to identify your personal triggers, steps to reduce your exposure, and why staying consistent with your medication routine is critical. We also cover tools like an asthma action plan, preparing for school, and making sure caregivers and teachers know how to respond to an asthma flare.

What we cover in our episode about managing asthma triggers during the fall:

Understanding asthma: learn why even mild asthma should be reviewed before the fall.
Identifying triggers: from indoor allergens to seasonal pollen and surprising emotional triggers, know what can set off your asthma.
Preparing for Asthma Peak Week: discover how viruses, ragweed pollen, and stress combine into a dangerous flare period and how to get ahead of it.
Staying in control: strategies to avoid or reduce asthma trigger exposure, prepare for school, and keep your asthma action plan up to date.
Supporting everyone with asthma: special considerations for adults, caregivers, and teachers to stay healthy and ready year-round.

More episodes about asthma

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 professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

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