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Treating Children’s Asthma in the Fall Season: A Guide
Around the fall season, asthma flare-ups occur in a lot of children, especially as they are just going back to school. Some are unfortunate enough to even be hospitalized more times during the fall season than any other season.
There are many ways to help your child cope with asthma during the fall season. Here are a few quick tips to manage asthma and identify its probable causes.
Fall and Asthma Triggers
Fall is also considered by many as flu season, as there are significantly higher amounts of viruses festering at this time. For children with asthma, this is an even more delicate case as they have a higher chance of contracting any illnesses during this season.
Exposure to allergies and viral infections will worsen conditions, especially if they are surrounded by their classmates at school. For those with graver cases, they can contract respiratory infections and wheeze because of asthma. This can also lead to hospitalization.
What Causes Fall Allergies
During the fall season, there are a significantly higher amount of allergens present in the air. Most notably, ragweed, a plant that contains an alarming amount of pollen, grows rampantly during this season.
This would typically start around September and dwindle down by late November. A single plant of ragweed triggers asthma, as it contains microorganisms that draw out a reactive response from your child.
The worst part about ragweed would be that under immense pressure and unfavorable conditions, it will only produce more pollen, which spells bad news for asthmatics.
How Going Back to School Triggers Asthma
For kids, going back to school means more exposure to any airborne allergens that can trigger asthma. Preventing them from staying outside may help reduce exposure to allergens like ragweed, but there are more dangers inside the classroom as well.
Anything, from chalk dust, dust books, mold, and even pet residue from classmates may trigger it. They might also be affected by exercise-related asthma. If they have any other existing food allergies, that might also be one cause for triggering their asthma.
You can never play it too safe at school. Make sure to take the proper safety precautions as you do so.
Quick Tips to Deal with Seasonal Asthma
There are a number of ways to help prevent your child’s asthma from being triggered. Here are some that you can do.
1. Get a Flu Shot
When your child has asthma, they are at greater risk of contracting the flu. Prevent any more from occurring by making sure your child gets a complete round of flu shots.
2. Take Asthma Medication
If you notice any flare-ups, make sure to consult with your care provider about the right medication to take, and the right dosage. See if there are any adjustments to make to the medication as well.
3. Take an Allergy Test
Having allergies on top of asthma can be very harmful. Make sure you take tests to see what allergens your child’s body reacts to. This will help your care providers work with you to seek the proper treatment for your kids.
Conclusion
The fall season is a dangerous time for asthmatic kids, and we must always remain vigilant. Seeking the proper help as well as getting tested and vaccinated will prevent any flare-ups for your children during this time.
Get the best care and help for your child through Aspen Medical Center. We provide urgent care services in Santa Fe to ensure that everyone gets the proper treatment they need. Check in online with us today.