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STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters and colorful leaves – fall is finally here.
But for some, the season also brings runny noses, itchy eyes, and even trouble breathing. The crisp air of autumn may feel refreshing, but for people with asthma and allergies, it often comes with a catch.
Experts can’t stress enough the importance of knowing how to react to asthma attacks–especially now when attacks are at its highest. “In particular, the third week of September is what we call Asthma peak week. And that’s when emergency room visits and hospitalization for asthma tend to be the highest..in the year,” says Justin Greiwe, Asthma and Allergy Specialist Doctor.
“Ragweed and mold are big allergens,” says David A. Edmondson, Allergy and Immunology Doctor at ENT Allergy.
Ragweed is considered a very powerful allergen–and can fly up to 400 miles. One plant can produce up to a billion particles of pollen.
“So ragweed is very potent, very small and a lot of people are sensitive to it,” says Edmondson.
As the temperature drops experts say mold in decaying crops are the next main contributor to asthma attacks.
“Once we get cold and we start frosting up, the ragweed will go away but the mold will tend to stick around until the snow covers the ground,” says Edmondson.
Viruses also play a role in the uptick of asthma attacks.
“And now the virus are spreading in the school which then goes onto the community and triggers asthma. So we’re seeing a lot of viral infections right now,” says Edmondson.
Asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest.
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