2026 Asthma Peak Week… Sunday, September 13th - Saturday, September 19th..........Amber N. D. Anda

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 (https://aafa.org)
 
American Lung Association / ALA (https://www.lung.org)
 

Dear Family and Friends,
 
Over the past several years, I have worked to learn as much as I can about asthma. Through that research, I have learned that there is a certain time each year when asthma can become especially dangerous.
 
Each September, asthma-related hospital visits increase, and doctors see more asthma episodes and attacks. This specific week of the month is typically the most severe.
 
People with asthma or environmentally triggered allergies often have stronger, sometimes severe symptoms in September and into the winter months. I have learned that asthma attack episodes and fatalities rise during one particular week in September, now known as Asthma Peak Week.
Mark your calendar: In 2026, Asthma Peak Week will take place from Sunday, September 13th to Saturday, September 19th.
September brings several challenges for people with asthma and allergies. Ragweed pollen, a leading cause of Fall allergies, peaks across the United States. As leaves collect outdoors, mold levels can rise. Children also return to school, increasing exposure to respiratory viruses just as cold and flu season begins.
 
I first understood the seriousness of Asthma Peak Week after reading Peter DeMarco’s moving account of losing his wife, Laura, to a sudden, severe asthma attack. Since then, Peter has worked to raise awareness by sharing the importance of Asthma Peak Week with organizations and individuals. His mission is deeply personal: Laura died on September 16, 2016, during this critical week.
 
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.
This 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 that I don’t believe many people with asthma know about Peak Week. Laura and I certainly didn’t.”
Sadly, many people with asthma do not know the information that could help protect them from sudden, severe attacks. In Laura’s case, that lack of awareness and education had tragic consequences.
 
Please take a few moments to read Peter’s powerful story, included with this email. His experience shows why Asthma Peak Week awareness matters and how timely education can help save lives.
 
As this September week approaches, people with asthma should take proactive steps to prepare for Asthma Peak Week. It is an important time for individuals with asthma, their families, and caregivers to review treatment plans, update their Asthma Action Plan with any medication or treatment changes, and ensure their medicines and management strategies are current. Checking in with healthcare providers and confirming that treatments are working can help manage symptoms and prevent severe attacks.
 
Finally, I encourage anyone who wants to learn more about asthma to visit the American Lung Association website and take its free online course, Asthma Basics. The course offers a helpful overview of asthma, its available medical treatments and the risks of leaving asthma untreated.
 
The Amber N. D. Andaloro Asthma Foundation raises awareness of asthma risks among people with asthma and those who care about them. Through education and outreach, the Foundation helps individuals manage asthma effectively, lead healthy, active lives, and recognize that asthma does not have to limit daily activities or future goals.
 
We are deeply grateful for your continued support of our mission to raise asthma awareness and to make a meaningful 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 and work.

• 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.