Category: Healthy Communities, Uncategorized
Baton Rouge, La. (September 24, 2026) – Asthma attacks, asthma-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations typically rise in September, often peaking during the third week of the month. The Louisiana Department of Health’s (LDH) Well-Ahead Louisiana Asthma Control Program encourages residents with asthma to be aware of their triggers, develop a plan, and take steps to keep their asthma under control.
The September Asthma Peak affects people of all ages, but children returning to school can be especially vulnerable due to increased exposure to respiratory viruses. Other seasonal triggers, including ragweed pollen, mold, dust mites, smoke, strong odors, and poor air quality, can also trigger asthma symptoms.
Increased coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or nighttime symptoms, or needing a quick-relief inhaler more often, may be signs that your asthma is not well controlled.
Be prepared and know your resources
People with asthma can take steps to lower the risk of an asthma flare-up by:
• Developing and following an asthma action plan. Work with your health care provider to develop a plan, and make sure family members, caregivers, and school staff know what to do if symptoms worsen.
• Taking medications as prescribed. Continue daily controller medications as directed, even when asthma symptoms are under control.
• Keeping quick-relief medication on hand. Make sure prescribed rescue medication is current and easily accessible at home, school, and work.
Well-Ahead’s Asthma Control Program provides no-cost services to eligible Louisiana residents who have been diagnosed with asthma, regardless of age or insurance status. The program helps participants better understand and manage their asthma through:
• Asthma education and self-management support;
• Environmental assessments to identify potential asthma triggers;
• Medication adherence and management support; and
• Connections to health care providers and community resources.
The program’s goal is to improve asthma control, quality of life, and health outcomes while helping reduce asthma-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
“Asthma is personal for me because I grew up with it. I know the challenges of managing triggers, medications, and preventive care,” said Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Tonya Joiner. “That experience is why this work means so much to me. We want people living with asthma to know that they’re not alone and that with the right support and resources, asthma doesn’t have to hold them back.”
To learn about the Asthma Control Program and enrollment resources, call 844-522-4323 or visit the Well-Ahead Louisiana asthma webpage.
