Ep. 124: Asthma peak week and understanding triggers
LISTEN TO EPISODE 124: Apple Podcast • Spotify • Amazon Music
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank Novartis for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
As summer winds down and September approaches, many people with asthma notice their symptoms getting worse. This is no coincidence as more asthma triggers appear during this time of year, from pollen and viruses to stress and weather changes. This combination peaks during Asthma Peak Week, a time when asthma attacks and ER visits spike across the country.
Allergist Dr. Kristin Sokol joins us to discuss seasonal asthma triggers, why fall can be especially risky, and how you can prepare to keep your asthma under control.
You’ll learn how to identify your personal triggers, steps to reduce your exposure, and why staying consistent with your medication routine is critical. We also cover tools like an asthma action plan, preparing for school, and making sure caregivers and teachers know how to respond to an asthma flare.
What we cover in our episode about managing asthma triggers during the fall:
Understanding asthma: learn why even mild asthma should be reviewed before the fall.
Identifying triggers: from indoor allergens to seasonal pollen and surprising emotional triggers, know what can set off your asthma.
Preparing for Asthma Peak Week: discover how viruses, ragweed pollen, and stress combine into a dangerous flare period and how to get ahead of it.
Staying in control: strategies to avoid or reduce asthma trigger exposure, prepare for school, and keep your asthma action plan up to date.
Supporting everyone with asthma: special considerations for adults, caregivers, and teachers to stay healthy and ready year-round.
About our guest, Dr. Kristin Sokol
Dr. Kristin Sokol is a board-certified allergist and immunologist practicing in the Washington, D.C. area. She cares for patients of all ages with asthma, allergies, and immune-related conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Sokol is actively involved in professional education and serves in leadership roles within the allergy community. She brings a wealth of experience in diagnosing and managing asthma, with a focus on personalized care and empowering patients to control their symptoms.
More resources about asthma peak week:
10 Ways to Stay Healthy During the September Asthma Peak Week
How to Make a House or Apartment Allergy & Asthma Friendly (Recording)
More episodes about asthma
Timestamps
Our episode discusses what you need to know about managing asthma in the fall.
01:01 Dr. Sokol intro
01:26 What is asthma & why allergists treat asthma
03:03 What is an asthma trigger
07:14 How do you avoid asthma triggers
13:05 Asthma Peak Week
14:24 Asthma control
16:27 Importance of taking asthma medication as prescribed
18:22 Preparing for Asthma Peak Week with an asthma action plan
20:51 Having up-to-date meds
23:58 Final recommendations for planning ahead for Peak Week
