CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Kids are back in school and people are back indoors as the seasons change, and that can lead to some respiratory illnesses. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America calls September its peak month. A physician with the University of Iowa says there are things everyone can do to help.
“Because we know viruses can trigger asthma, it’s important that people in the community make an appointment to get caught up on their vaccines. And this includes getting caught up on things like flu and covid shots,” said Doctor Anthony Fischer, the division director pf pediatric pulmonary medicine at the University of Iowa.
Doctor Fischer says they can see more cases of asthma around this time of year due to external factors like air quality. He added some of the common symptoms of asthma to look out for in kids includes coughing or shortness of breath.
“The most important thing that a family can do is that if their child has a problem with frequent coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, they should talk to their doctor about making an asthma action plan,” Doctor Fischer said.
Staying up to date with vaccines can make it easier for your doctor to know if it’s another respiratory illness or asthma. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says this fall and winter we will see similar numbers for hospitalization from COVID-19, influenza, and RSV compared to last season. Doctor Fischer says it’s important to pay attention to how kids are reacting to the changes in the season.
“The most common symptom of asthma would be coughing. Coughs that disturb their sleep at nighttime, coughs that disrupt their activities at school, coughing or wheezing that make it harder for them to participate in athletics or physical education, shortness of breath with athletics or with physical education,” Doctor Fischer said.
And with kids, Doctor Fischer says its best to communicate with teachers and school nurses to stay on top of any questions they might have regarding the child’s health.
“Teachers and school nurses are really important here because they often are the eyes and ears of the community they recognize when children are sick and it’s important that they contact parents and say I don’t think that your son or daughter is doing very well,” he said.
Smoking and vaping can also trigger an asthma attack.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, talk to your doctor or use the Iowa Quitline to get information about quitting smoking or vaping.
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