Managing Your Child's Asthma During Late Summer

Asthma is a chronic lung disease where the airways swell and constrict, making it hard for air to reach the lungs. It is the most common chronic illness among children, affecting 7.5 million kids. In this blog, we talk with Seana Dean, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Del City, on how parents can manage their children’s asthma.

Why can asthma be worse in the summer?

Asthma worsens due to triggers that cause breathing difficulties, wheezing, chest pain and energy loss. The airways swell and produce thick mucus, making it harder to breathe.

• High humidity: Humid air makes breathing difficult and supports dust mites and mold growth.
• Pollen: Weed pollen in late summer and early fall are common triggers. Pollen levels peak in the morning and increase with lasting warm temperatures and strong winds.
• High heat: Hot air, especially in 90 to 100 degree weather, can irritate the airways.
• Air pollutants: Heat and low wind trap smog, which irritates the airways.
• Thunderstorms: Changes in weather patterns can concentrate allergens and distribute them via wind gusts.
• Smoke: Wildfires and grills produce smoke that makes breathing difficult.
• Exercise: Outdoor exercise can trigger exercise-induced asthma, especially when breathing through the mouth.

What parents can do

“As late summer brings changes in weather and an increase in allergens like ragweed and mold, it's crucial to stay vigilant in managing your child's asthma,” says Dean. “Ensure they take their prescribed medications regularly, avoid known triggers and keep an eye on their symptoms.” 

• Clean regularly: Vacuum several times a week to remove animal dander, dust mites and mold.
• Be prepared with medications: Ensure medications are available, and caretakers know how to administer them.
• Plan your time: Schedule playtime early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid peak temperatures.
• Monitor air quality: Check local weather reports and limit outdoor time when air quality is poor.
• Minimize time spent outside: Limit time spent outside before and after thunderstorms.
• Be attentive to pollen count: Monitoring pollen count information is valuable in planning for patients with asthma.
• Be aware of hidden triggers: Ragweed can pollinate well into the fall causing allergy and asthma symptoms long past peak week in August. 
• Close windows: To prevent allergens from entering your home.
• Do laundry frequently: Wash clothes to remove trapped allergens and bathe your child regularly.
• Change air filters: Replace HVAC and car filters regularly and avoid using fans that circulate dust.

Developing an action plan

An action plan, created with your child’s health care provider, helps control asthma symptoms. It uses color codes to indicate when asthma is stable (green), getting worse (yellow), or needs medical attention (red). A peak flow meter can help track lung function. Contact the doctor if symptoms persist despite medication.

Medications to treat asthma

Asthma medications include fast-acting relievers and preventive controllers. They are usually administered via inhaler or nebulizer.

Quick relief medications:

• Short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs): Examples include albuterol (Salbutamol) and terbutaline (Bricanyl).
• Short-acting anticholinergics: Examples include ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) and tiotropium bromide (Spiriva Respimat).
• Systemic corticosteroids: Examples include oral prednisone tablets or prednisolone liquid – used for an acute episode or exacerbated symptoms.

Preventive controller medications:

• Inhaled steroids: Examples include fluticasone (Flovent HFA), budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler) and beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler).
• Long-term steroids: Examples include beclomethasone (Qvar) and fluticasone (Flovent).
• Long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs): Examples include formoterol (Oxeze) and salmeterol (Serevent).
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists: Examples include montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate).
• Long-acting muscarinic antagonist inhalers (LAMAs): Examples include tiotropium bromide (Respimat).
• Asthma biologics: Examples include omalizumab (Xolair) and mepolizumab (Nucala).
• Immunotherapy: Shots administered to reduce sensitivity to triggers.

If your child’s asthma becomes uncontrollable, contact your pediatrician. Seek immediate treatment if your child experiences symptoms such as severe wheezing, coughing, trouble walking or talking, or blue skin. To find a pediatrician, visit our website.