Ep. 170: When Asthma Peak Week Hits Adults

Doctor InterviewFood AllergiesAllergiesAsthmaEczemaImmunologyPatient InterviewEOEAAII PodcastMast Cell DiseaseCSUUrticariaBiologicsHealth InsuranceType 2 Inflammation

Aug 13

Written By Kortney Kwong Hing

Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast

This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.

We thank AstraZeneca and Amgen 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.

Most asthma peak week coverage focuses on kids heading back to school. But adults are just as much at risk, and often don't realize it until they're already in trouble. Many adults with asthma have quietly rearranged their lives around symptoms they've stopped noticing: skipping hikes, avoiding stairs, accepting a cough that never fully goes away. That's not just how it is. It's a sign asthma isn't controlled.

Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta are joined by allergist Dr. Ashwin Shankar to talk about why asthma peak week hits adults hard, how normalizing symptoms can quietly put you at risk, and what steps to take before the season catches up with you.

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What we cover in our episode about adult asthma peak week

What asthma peak week is and why fall hits so hard. The third week of September brings the highest asthma-related ER visits and hospitalizations of the year.
Where fall triggers hide. Teachers and school staff face mold in buildings that sat closed all summer, outdoor workers get hit with ragweed and sudden cold mornings, and farm workers stir up mold and dust during harvest.
Why even controlled asthma can slip during peak week. Trigger load stacks up fast this time of year, and a flare during peak week doesn't mean you're doing something wrong.
The adult habit of normalizing symptoms. Skipping hikes, avoiding stairs, or accepting a lingering cough are signs asthma isn't controlled, not just signs of getting older.
How to get ahead of peak week before it hits. Confirm your asthma action plan, track how often you're reaching for your rescue inhaler, and get your flu shot at least two weeks before September ramps up.

About our guest

About our guest

Dr. Ashwin Shankar, DO, is a double-board-certified allergist and immunologist who sees patients across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He serves on the Advocacy Council and Population Health and Food Allergy Committee for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and on the Division Directors Committee and DEI Committee for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. He also serves as a medical editor for Allergy & Asthma Network.

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