Along with the return to school across the country, each September also brings an annual spike of asthma attacks to emergency rooms. The two are related. Dr. Stephen Mueller, a pulmonologist with Methodist Charlton Medical Center, explains how in this installment of 四虎影院鈥檚 Vital Signs.
Three Causes of the September Spike
- Pollens and heat. We think of fall as the beginning of cooler temperatures, but Dr. Mueller says the heat that helps keep pollutants active often continues well into September. That plus fall pollens like ragweed increase problems for asthmatics and others with respiratory problems.
- Bacteria and viruses love crowds. School brings kids in close contact with each other 鈥� an easy way to spread germs, like common colds. Colds are a major trigger for asthma in young children.
- The summer honeymoon鈥檚 over for medication. Muller says some people aren鈥檛 as diligent with their asthma medication in summer for various reasons: Not every asthmatic takes medicine all the time. Some get frustrated with their medicine. Some get busy with life and summer activities and forget to take their medication. Mueller recommends a fall wellness check for a current assessment of your asthma.
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