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It's peak asthma season

Sept. 17, 2026—Managing asthma is a year-round job. But early fall can be an especially tough time to manage the condition.

This time of year, emergency room visits related to asthma tend to rise in contrast to their summertime lows, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reports. That's especially true among children with asthma. But asthma-related ER visits also surge among adults throughout the fall and winter, the AAFA notes.

When asthma triggers converge

What's going on that can make asthma harder to control? From September on into fall and winter, several factors come together all at once, experts say, including:

Respiratory virus season. Viruses, such as those that cause colds, the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), circulate more during the fall and winter. Getting one of these illnesses can increase the chances of having an asthma flare-up that makes it hard to breathe, as well as developing severe complications, such as pneumonia.

Back-to-school time! As kids head back to school, they start spending time in close contact with other kids and, potentially, with cold and other viral germs. At home, those illnesses may spread to other family members.

Kids may also encounter potential asthma triggers in schools, like dust and mold, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes.

Allergens. September is peak ragweed pollen season. If you are allergic to ragweed, the annual bloom may trigger your asthma symptoms.

Mold. It can be an asthma trigger, and there's more of it when the weather turns damp and plants and leaves begin to rot. Indoor mold can also be more active as summer ends, the AAFA notes.

Weather. Sometimes a sudden change in temperature can trigger asthma symptoms. And fall often brings cold fronts.

Ready for peak asthma season?

You can breathe better when asthma is well-controlled. To help prevent or prepare a possible rise in asthma symptoms for you or your child:

Follow your asthma action plan. You should have one that tells you how to manage your symptoms early if they start to get worse, according to the American Lung Association. Your asthma action plan should also tell you when to call your doctor or go to the emergency room, if severe asthma symptoms start. If you don't have an asthma action plan, talk to your doctor about creating one.

Avoid the season's asthma triggers. Your asthma action plan should also list your asthma triggers, including any you are likely to encounter this winter and fall. Talk with your doctor about the best ways to minimize exposure to them, whether that's pollen or mold.

Get your flu and COVID-19 shots. Getting recommended vaccines this fall can help your family avoid respiratory viruses that cause illnesses like the flu and COVID-19. Learn more about preventing and managing respiratory infections when you have asthma.

If you have questions about your asthma care or immunizations, be sure to ask your doctor.

Sources

• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Back to School With Allergies and Asthma.
• American Lung Association. Create an Asthma Action Plan.
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma Peak Season.
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma Triggers: Weather.
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Pediatric Asthma-Related Hospitalizations are About to Increase.