Empowering Action in Asthma Care This Season and Beyond

By James Teague
Vice President, US Respiratory & Immunology and Infectious Disease

As we head into the fall season, this year feels especially meaningful for my family. It's our first true “back-to-school” season in the United States, bringing new experiences, new environments and plenty of opportunities to learn and adapt together. And while we're embracing all that autumn has to offer, we're also getting a familiar reminder of the season's arrival through the inevitable return of seasonal allergies.

For those living with asthma, asthma attacks and hospitalizations tend to increase at this time of year due to the arrival of seasonal asthma triggers, such as allergens and respiratory infections.1 

While asthma can peak in any month, asthma attacks, emergency room visits and hospitalizations begin to increase in September, when people may encounter several triggers at once.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 2026 Asthma Capitals Report, outlining these cities:

  1. Allentown, PA 
  2. Detroit, MI
  3. Rochester, NY
  4. Philadelphia, PA
  5. Cleveland, OH
  6. Lakeland, FL
  7. Syracuse, NY
  8. Hartford, CT
  9. Charleston, SC
  10. Sacramento, CA

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 In 2020, it was found that nearly 1 million emergency room visits were linked to asthma attacks.4 

For many people with asthma, environmental exposures can contribute to worsening symptoms and exacerbations. Seasonal triggers, including outdoor pollen (e.g., ragweed), indoor allergens (e.g., dust and dander), viral respiratory infections (e.g., flu) and sudden drops in temperature may impact a person’s asthma.1,5 

According to the American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2026 report, more than 4 in 10 people in the US live in places with unhealthy levels of air pollution, a major trigger for asthma symptoms and exacerbations.6 That’s why it’s important for asthma patients to recognize how environmental factors can affect their asthma and discuss treatment options with their healthcare providers.

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, advancing science is central to our mission to eliminate asthma attacks for millions of people across the US. Helping people with asthma recognize symptoms, understand seasonal triggers and confidently talk with a specialist brings us all closer to this goal. 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.

AstraZeneca is dedicated to supporting the asthma community this fall season and beyond by providing education about treatment options along with valuable resources and support. I’m proud that 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 September 10, 2026. https://www.lung.org/blog/fall-asthma-tips
  2. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma Peak Season. Accessed September 10, 2026. https://aafa.org/asthma/living-with-asthma/asthma-peak-season-for-emergencies/
  3. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma Facts. Accessed September 10, 2026. https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-facts/
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most Recent Asthma Data. Accessed September 10, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/asthma-data/about/most-recent-asthma-data.html
  5. American Lung Association. How a Physician Fights Fall Allergies. Accessed September 10, 2026. https://www.lung.org/blog/fall-allergy-doctor-tips
  6. American Lung Association. State of the Air 2026 report. Accessed September 10, 2026. https://www.lung.org/research/sota/key-findings