Got asthma? Make sure you have your inhaler handy. Tomorrow is expected to be the worst day of the year for asthma sufferers, according to a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, which found that symptoms peak 17 days after Labor Day. The reasons why include the uptick in ragweed and other fall seasonal allergens; the prevalence of colds and flu (which can exacerbate asthma); and the fact that kids have just returned to school and are being exposed to allergens (like cat dander) that are carried into the classroom by other children, says Robert Reinhardt, MD, FAAFP, associate professor at Michigan State University and senior director of medical, regulatory and quality for Phadia, U.S.
According to Dr. Reinhardt, 60-90% of people with asthma have an underlying allergic component, meaning that allergies can trigger an asthma attack. If you haven't recently seen or doctor or allergist/immunologist, he recommends a checkup to determine exactly what you're allergic to so you can try to minimize your exposure to those triggers.
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—Barbara Brody, Health Editor