Empowering Action in Asthma Care This Season and Beyond

As we enter the fall season, asthma attacks and hospitalizations tend to increase due to the arrival of seasonal asthma triggers, such as allergens and respiratory infections.1 

Each year during the third week of September, known as Peak Week, people living with asthma experience the greatest impact with a spike in asthma attacks and hospitalizations reported.2 Patients across the US may feel an increased burden from their asthma that the entire season can bring, but certain cities known as “asthma capitals” are among the most challenging places to live with asthma. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) just released its 2025 Asthma Capitals Report, outlining these cities:

  1. Detroit, MI 
  2. Rochester, NY
  3. Allentown, PA
  4. Philadelphia, PA
  5. Cleveland, OH
  6. Fresno, CA
  7. Hartford, CT
  8. Albany, NY
  9. Providence, RI
  10. Milwaukee, WI

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects about 28 million Americans and can place a significant burden on those individuals due to symptom severity and its potential impact on quality of life.3 

People living with asthma may even face challenges participating in leisure activities or attending work and school. In 2018, asthma accounted for 10.9 million missed workdays and 7.9 million missed school days.4 Seasonal triggers can intensify these challenges, and may increase the risk of asthma attacks and hospitalizations. 

A variety of seasonal triggers can impact a person’s asthma, including outdoor pollen such as ragweed, indoor allergens, such as dust and dander, viral respiratory infections such as the flu and sudden drops in temperature.1

Learn more from two people living with asthma about how seasonal changes impact their daily asthma management.

Real Patient Stories

  • “This time of year has typically been very difficult due to the high likelihood of my asthma sending me to the hospital. I would find myself staying home to help prevent an attack rather than attend my son’s soccer games. But this year is different, being more proactive in managing my asthma and making sure I am on the best treatment for me, I am now able to support my son and be the soccer mom I always wanted to be.” -Yza, a person living with asthma
  • “Taking control of my asthma symptoms with the right treatment plan allows me to enjoy the great outdoors and teach my son some of my favorite things to do.” -Adrian, a person living with severe asthma

Preparing Asthma Patients for Seasonal Triggers

At AstraZeneca, we’re working to address the unmet needs in asthma for patients across all severities of the disease. We’re raising awareness of the increasing burden of asthma that comes with Peak Week and the fall season, and sharing ways people living with asthma can prepare for seasonal changes:

  1. Identify asthma triggers such as pollen, dust or pet dander, and take steps to reduce the risk of an attack due to exposure, such as adjusting environmental factors or following an asthma management plan.1
  2. Take precautions against colds and flu, as they may worsen asthma symptoms. Practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.2
  3. Determine your current level of asthma control by taking the Asthma Impairment and Risk Questionnaire (AIRQ®). The results can help guide a future doctor's appointment.
  4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist to discuss asthma management and develop a personalized care plan. 
  5. Visit KnowAsthmaPeaks.com to create a personalized discussion guide to help make the most of your specialist visits when discussing how to manage severe asthma this fall season.

AstraZeneca is dedicated to supporting the asthma community this fall season and beyond by educating about treatment options along with valuable resources and support. Our portfolio of asthma therapies can offer patients options to better manage their disease. 

 

References:

  1. American Lung Association. 5 tips to prevent asthma flare-ups this fall. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.lung.org/blog/fall-asthma-tips
  2. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. September is Asthma Peak month. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://aafa.org/asthma/living-with-asthma/september-asthma-peak-month/ 
  3. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma acts. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-facts/ 
  4. American Lung Association. Asthma trends and burden. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.lung.org/research/trends-in-lung-disease/asthma-trends-brief/trends-and-burden

US-104655 Last Updated 9/25