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Asthma Peak Week Brings Heightened Risk From Ragweed, Mold and Fall Viruses

Specialists urge strict medication adherence to cut emergency surges during this peak.

Overview

  • Doctors say emergency visits and hospitalizations for asthma typically reach their yearly high in the third week of September.
  • Ragweed is a particularly potent fall allergen that can travel up to 400 miles, with a single plant producing up to a billion pollen particles.
  • As temperatures drop, mold from decaying crops becomes a leading trigger and can persist until snow covers the ground.
  • Respiratory viruses spreading in schools are contributing to more asthma exacerbations this fall.
  • Nearly 28 million Americans have asthma, and Black Americans are six times more likely than white Americans to visit the emergency department for asthma symptoms.