The Annual September Peak in Asthma Exacerbation Rates. Still a Reality?

Abstract

While the magnitude of the September peak has decreased over time, the asthma ED visit rate remains significantly higher in September than in other months. Physician visits are also highest in the fall. These findings stress the importance of empowering children and families to maintain good asthma control throughout the year, including hand washing, to minimize respiratory viral infections in September.

Contribution of repeated infections in asthma persistence from preschool to school age: Design and characteristics of the PreDicta cohort

“…Viral respiratory infections are the most common trigger for asthma worsening in our cohort, consistent with several studies showing the role of—mostly RV—infection in asthma development and exacerbations . Asthma morbidity was significantly increased during fall, in accordance with the well‐described “September epidemic”, although morbidity appeared to be protracted throughout fall and winter.…”

Seasonal Cycle and Relationship of Seasonal Rhino- and Influenza Virus Epidemics With Episodes of Asthma Exacerbation in Different Age Groups

“…Asthma exacerbation (AE) can lead to progressive loss of lung function, increase risk of asthma mortality in all age groups, 1 and is associated with increased healthcare costs and morbidity. 2 Emergency department (ED) visits 3 4 and outpatient visits 5 for AE in children have seasonal variations. There is a “September peak” in the Northern Hemisphere and a “February peak” in the Southern Hemisphere.…”

Asthma among adult patients presenting with dyspnea to the emergency department: An observational study

“…Morbidity, mortality and the number of disability‐adjusted life years lost due to asthma are substantial, particularly in lower income nations . The incidence of asthma exacerbations varies with seasons, environmental conditions and air pollutants . Frequent attendances to the ED by asthmatic patients have been associated with higher mortality …”