The final weeks of September bring a rise in asthma attacks and asthma-related emergency room visits. Louisiana Department of Health nurse consultant Tanya Cobb says children are especially vulnerable as a return to school brings exposure to.
“Be aware of the signs and symptoms, be aware of the triggers and develop a plan as to how you want to respond when you start to have a flare with your asthma,” Cobb noted.
Environmental factors like pollen, mold, dust, smoke, aerosols and strong odors can also trigger symptoms, including coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Cobb says people have unique triggers and symptoms.
“A lot of people specifically tell us they are sensitive to cleaning solutions, perfumes, cigarette smoke; so you need to know what flares your asthma so that you can avoid that,” Cobb explained.
Cobb recommends people with asthma have rescue medication like an inhaler close at hand wherever they go. She says families should work with their healthcare providers to develop an asthma action plan.
“And that they make their family members, particularly if they’re children; the caregivers should know, as well as school staff, what to look for when their symptoms occur and how to respond to those symptoms when they occur,” Cobb said.
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