«Back to September News Bulletin

According to Laura Milgram, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, there are steps parents can take to help protect their children from asthma triggers.

The fun of summer continues into fall — but with it comes a new set of health concerns. Just as you can protect your children against exposure to the sun with sunscreen, you can also protect children with asthma from summer asthma triggers by knowing the potential allergens and taking steps to limit your child’s exposure to them.

Grass and Ragweed Pollen

Summer is the peak season for grasses to release pollen into the air — and ragweed follows suit in late August. Although pollen can be difficult to avoid, the following tactics may help:

• Use air conditioning and keep windows in your home closed whenever possible.
• If you have a lawn, keep the grass cut short, and have someone without allergies cut it.
• Pollen counts are highest in the morning, so be mindful of this when your children play outside.
• Make sure your kids bathe and wash their hair before bedtime because hair and skin can attract pollen.

Humidity and Mold

When the humidity rises in the summer, it can cause problems for kids with asthma for several reasons. First, the humidity itself can act as a trigger for asthma. Also, rising humidity causes mold to grow and multiply, both inside and out. Do not let the summer swelter aggravate your child’s asthma.

• Keep the humidity level in the home below 50% with a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
• Use air conditioning with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter attachment.
• Stay indoors when mold counts are high (check mold and pollen counts on weather websites).
• Keep your home clean and dry, especially moisture-prone areas, such as the basement.

In addition to avoiding summer asthma triggers, you also should make sure your child takes his or her asthma maintenance medications as prescribed to help maintain good asthma control.

When Your Child Needs a Pulmonary Specialist

Consult with your primary care doctor if your child’s asthma and allergies have been difficult to control. Your child may need to be seen by a pulmonary specialist. My colleagues and I, in the Division of Pediatric Pulmonology at UH Rainbow, specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and management of infants, children and adolescents with asthma, airway problems, cystic fibrosis and other pulmonary conditions. Recently ranked 10th in the nation for pediatric pulmonary care by U.S. News & World Report, UH Rainbow has nationally and internationally recognized pediatric pulmonary physicians.