With summer coming to an end and children returning to school, you can bet that they will be exposed to a new season of allergens, many of which can cause severe asthma attacks. In fact, studies show that the largest number of hospitalizations due to asthma and severe allergy attacks occurs around mid-September. More accurately, studies show that majority of these hospitalizations occur 17 days after Labor Day. You may be wondering, “Why?” Below we have listed different factors that may contribute to the likelihood of your child suffering and asthma attack during the month of September, along with different things you can do to prevent these unwanted spells.

The Outdoors

• Ragweed: This particular plant is considered one of the largest contributors to upper respiratory problems since it produces pollen aggressively following mid-August.
• Other weeds: Various weeds such as country, goldenrod, lamb’s quarters, pigweed, sheep sorrel, sagebrush, and curly dock bloom during this time and through the beginning weeks of fall as well. Although many of these weeds are insect-pollinated rather than wind-pollinated, these weeds have the potential to affect a person with allergies.
• Molds: Although many molds begin growing around early spring, many different types of molds flourish throughout the months of fall. Because of how lightweight and small these various molds can be, they can be inhaled easily, causing asthma attacks and other allergy-related effects.

The Indoors:

• Dust mites: These allergens can be composed of various things such as particles of plants, skin, soil, insects, food, animal matters, and more. Due to the wide range of a dust mite’s composition, they can create a potential for severe asthma attacks.
• Pet dander: Not only can the texture of pet dander become irritating, pet dander contains the animal’s saliva on the surface which can cause severe allergic reactions.
• Cockroaches/Mice: The proteins found in cockroaches and mice droppings can cause extreme allergic reactions or asthma attacks.
• Aerosols: Depending on a child’s sensitivity, he/she may develop rhinitis or other conditions that can aggravate asthma due to these types of fluids.
• Chalk Dust: Although these irritants may not trigger a true allergen response, they can be the cause of rhinitis which can aggravate asthma, causing severe attacks.

Other factors play large roles in the increase of asthma attacks in children during September. Because children move from a summertime outdoor environment into a constant indoor environment, children become more susceptible to germs being carried by other persons. Many young children have not yet learned proper hygiene practices, making germs easier to transmit to other children. Not only can this cause other kids to suffer illness, but they can be at larger risks for asthma attacks if they have already been diagnosed with such illness.

The Preventative Measures

Although your child may have already been diagnosed with asthma, there may be a few things you can do to prevent the likelihood of severe attacks or other allergic reactions. Below is a list of tips you may want to consider.

• Schedule a check-up appointment: If you suspect your child is suffering allergic reactions or may have developed asthma, seek medical attention right away. The right doctor will be able to help find your child solutions to overcome illness.
• Reduce exposure to allergens at home: Maintain the cleanliness of your house and outdoor areas where your child may spend time. By reducing mold, dust mites, and pet dander, your child may be able to live a healthier and happier life since he/she will not suffer from avoidable asthma attacks or allergic reactions.

The Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia May Be Able to Help

If you feel that your child is experiencing difficulty breathing or is suffering from severe allergic reactions or asthma, contact our Atlanta allergists right away. Our team can take the time to understand you child’s symptoms and determine what strategies can best alleviate their suffering. Don’t wait to call us. We are here to take your call and answer any questions you may have.

The allergists of Center for Allergy and asthma of Georgia are waiting for your call. We offer same day appointments!