08/25/2025
"2025 Asthma Peak Week"… Monday, September 15th - Sunday, September 21st..........Amber N. D. Andaloro Asthma Foundation (a.k.a. ANDA Asthma Foundation)
https://community.aafa.org/blog/for-people-with-asthma-the-danger-of-peak-week-is-here
https://community.aafa.org/blog/losing-laura-each-day-10-too-many-people-die-from-asthma
https://community.aafa.org/blog/September-Asthma-Peak-brace-yourselves-the-biggest-week-for-asthma-attacks-is-coming
https://youtu.be/YrbkN0WnEKc
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America / AAFA
American Lung Association / ALA
Dear Family and Friends,
Over the past several years, I’ve dedicated myself to learning as much as possible about the chronic condition known as asthma. Through my research, I’ve come to realize that there is a specific period each year when asthma becomes especially dangerous.
Every September, asthma hospital stays rise. Doctors see more people with asthma episodes and attacks. The 3rd week of the month is the worst.
Individuals with asthma or allergies triggered by environmental factors often experience heightened and sometimes severe symptoms in September and into the winter months. It has become clear to me that deaths from asthma attacks rise notably during a specific week in September, which is why this period is known as Asthma Peak Week.
Mark your calendars: In 2025, Asthma Peak Week will take place from Monday, September 15th to Sunday, September 21st.
September brings a variety of challenges for people with asthma and allergies. Ragweed pollen, the leading cause of Fall allergies, peaks across the United States during this month. As Autumn leaves begin to pile up outdoors, mold levels rise as well. With children heading back to school, the risk of catching respiratory viruses increases, all while the flu and cold season is just getting underway.
I first became aware of how serious Asthma Peak Week is after reading a moving account by Peter DeMarco. His wife, Laura, lost her life to a sudden and severe asthma attack. Driven by this tragedy, Peter has devoted himself to spreading awareness, reaching out to organizations and individuals to share the importance of Asthma Peak Week. His motivation is deeply personal: Laura passed away on September 16th, right in the midst of this critical week, just a few years ago.
An excerpt from Peter’s story:
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), asthma attacks spike throughout September because it’s high ragweed season, with ragweed pollen from 17 different species of the wild, green plant filling the air. Those allergic to ragweed begin sneezing and coughing – common hay fever. But ragweed can also trigger asthma attacks, like the fatal one Laura had.
September’s also a critical month because children returning to school are exposed to viruses, particularly rhinovirus, and other asthma triggers.
The third week in September is when these elements usually reach a crescendo. “It’s a perfect storm, so to speak.” says Dr. Sumita Khatri, a national asthma expert with the Cleveland Clinic and medical advisor for AAFA.
“The problem is, I don’t believe many people with asthma know about Peak Week. Laura and I certainly didn’t.”
Unfortunately, far too many individuals with asthma remain unaware of the crucial information that could help protect them from unexpected and severe attacks. In Laura’s case, this lack of knowledge tragically led to the loss of her life.
Taking a moment to read Peter’s powerful story, included with this email, is essential. His experience highlights just how critical it is to raise awareness about Asthma Peak Week, demonstrating the life-saving difference that timely knowledge and education can make.
As the third week of September draws near, it is essential for those affected by asthma to take proactive steps in anticipation of Asthma Peak Week. This period offers a valuable opportunity for individuals with asthma, their families, and caregivers to review their treatment plans (Asthma Action Plan) and ensure that all medications and strategies are up to date. Scheduling check-ups with healthcare providers and confirming that treatments remain effective can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and preventing severe attacks.
The Amber N. D. Andaloro Asthma Foundation was created with a steadfast mission: to increase awareness of the risks associated with asthma, highlight the importance of effective treatment, and provide valuable education to those affected by asthma and their loved ones. Our Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals to live healthy, unrestricted lives, demonstrating that with proper management, asthma does not have to limit one’s potential or daily activities. Through its educational resources and outreach, this Foundation endeavors to support every person living with or caring for someone with asthma.
Your continued support for our mission to raise asthma awareness means so much. Thank you for helping us make a difference.
Warmest Regards,
Beverly Andaloro
210-912-0876
*Attachments
10 Essential Ways to Prepare for Asthma Peak Week
Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before meals, touching your face, and after using the restroom.
Follow a personalized Asthma Action Plan and review it with your doctor regularly, especially as Asthma Peak Week approaches.
Always cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs.
Track your symptoms and, when possible, monitor your peak flow rates.
Keep sick family members at home to reduce exposure to infections.
Begin using asthma medication at the earliest sign of symptoms.
Stay consistent with your asthma and allergy medications, even when you feel well.
Limit exposure to environmental triggers whenever you can.
Make sure you have enough medication refills available.
Ensure your asthma medications are accessible at school.
Asthma Facts & Figures
September accounts for 25% of all childhood asthma hospitalizations.
Viral infections cause 80% of asthma attacks in children and 50% in adults.
Each year, asthma leads to 10.5 million missed school days.
Asthma also results in 14.2 million missed workdays annually.
