The fall season doesn’t just bring cooler weather and fall festivals; It also may bring about serious issues for people who suffer from allergies and/or asthma. Researchers have studied this issue and site the following reasons:

• High fall pollen levels from allergens in the air like ragweed and mold spores.
• A return to the classroom for children means greater exposure to indoor allergens like animal dander, mold, dust, and VOC’s (from new classroom carpet or construction over the summer).
• Children are more susceptible to illnesses at the start of the school year and can transfer these illnesses and germs to parents and younger children at home. Individuals hospitalized for asthma exacerbations often suffer from viral infections. In many cases, asthma flares are associated with respiratory tract infections such as rhinovirus, a common viral infectious agent that is the main cause of the common cold.
• Fall allergy season overlaps with the start of cold and flu season, putting those with respiratory illnesses, like asthma, at greater risk for complications. Hospitalizations for asthma-related conditions peak during September and early October, after children return to school.

How to Prevent Fall Flare-Ups

To prevent severe flare-ups and dangerous asthma attacks, we encourage you to consider the following:

• Identify and avoid your asthma triggers. If you understand what triggers your asthma attacks, you can take the necessary steps to prevent them from occurring.
• Develop a plan to control your allergies, the most common trigger of asthma symptoms.
• Make sure your child has an Asthma Action Plan, and it is followed.
• Stay up to date on immunizations including an annual flu shot and other vaccines that prevent viral infections.
• Speak with a doctor about treatment options and other preventative measures if your asthma is not well controlled. A skilled allergist can determine what triggers your asthma attacks and can provide the necessary treatment plan to prevent or treat your conditions. Also, as children grow, they may need adjustments to their medications.

Suffering from Fall Allergies? Call Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia

If you or your children are suffering from allergies or asthma-related issues, we urge you to contact our Atlanta allergists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia right away. When you visit our office, we will conduct a thorough exam, perform appropriate testing, and determine which treatment options can best prevent you from suffering from serious asthma attacks and other allergy-related issues. We believe that every person should be able to enjoy the fall season free of illness and discomfort, and that is why we are here!

Speak with an Atlanta allergist today by calling Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia!