The third week of September is known as ‘asthma peak week’ nationwide. It is the time of year when asthma-related emergency room visits start ticking up.
In Michigan, allergens—primarily ragweed—and the increased spread of respiratory illnesses that come with back-to-school season can increase risk of asthma attacks.
Northwest Michigan Health Director Joshua Meyerson encourages people with asthma to take medications as prescribed.
“Really one of the best strategies is to make sure that if individuals require kind of controller therapy, that they start taking those in the few weeks before we get to that time period,” Meyerson said.
Health officials also recommend staying up to date on vaccinations against respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID, and RSV. Washing hands and wearing an N95 mask in crowded areas can help prevent illness.
Meyerson said air quality is important to be aware of as well.
“Outdoor air quality can certainly trigger asthma for people who are sensitive,” Meyerson said. “And that's something these last few years we've had to deal with in Michigan.”
In July, wildfire smoke from Canada blanketed Michigan’s atmosphere, causing air-quality alerts statewide.
According to the most recent CDC data, 11% of Michigan adults and nearly 7% of Michigan children have asthma.
