For many people with asthma across Canada living with asthma, fall brings more than cooler temperatures.

Seasonal changes can bring new triggers, including respiratory viruses, mould, indoor allergens and changing air quality. For people whose asthma is not well controlled, even a small change can lead to more coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath.

As fall arrives, so do the respiratory illnesses that can make asthma harder to control. Colds, influenza, RSV, and other infections can inflame the airways, making symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness worse. Usually from pollen, ragweed, and many other pesky allergens. For children returning to school, where viruses spread quickly, this can be an especially risky time of year. That is why it is so important for families to review Asthma Action Plans, keep medications close at hand and know what to do when symptoms begin.

However, there are precautions you can take to get ahead of this. Staying on prescribed controller medication, keeping rescue medication close by, reviewing an asthma action plan and speaking with a healthcare provider about recommended vaccines can help people with asthma prepare for the cooler temperatures ahead.

This fall, Asthma Canada is encouraging families to take a few simple steps:

→ Review your Asthma Action Plan with your healthcare provider.

→ Know your personal triggers and watch for early changes in symptoms.

→ Make sure medications are current and easy to access.

→ Keep rescue medication with you when you are away from home.

→ Talk with the school, caregiver or coach about how to respond if symptoms begin.

→ Monitor allergens — keep track of pollen and mould counts.

Asthma can change quickly. But with the right information and support, families can be more prepared.