Last Updated: September 22, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 22, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov
RHHD Encourages People Experiencing Asthma Symptoms to Seek Care
Asthma Peak Week is the third week in September
RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage anyone experiencing asthma or asthma-like symptoms, including chest tightness or pain, wheezing when exhaling, or trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, to talk to a healthcare provider about their symptoms. This is especially important during Asthma Peak Week, the third week in September, to help reduce the risk of severe symptoms.
People with asthma and allergies are exposed to several triggers in September. Ragweed, the most common fall pollen allergy, is highest in September in the U.S. Mold counts go up as leaves collect outside. Children return to school and may catch respiratory infections.
For 2025, Richmond ranked number 16 on the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America list of Asthma Capitals. The Richmond metropolitan area also ranked number eight on the list of most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies.
“While Richmond’s ranking of number 16 on the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America’s list of Asthma Capitals shows some progress from last year, it remains one of the most challenging cities to live in for asthma sufferers,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Child Health Advisor Becca Bruhl. “Asthma Peak Week reminds us to raise awareness of asthma and take meaningful steps to support those affected by this very common chronic condition.”
Here are some steps you can take to help manage asthma in September:
- Learn the signs and symptoms of asthma.
- Avoid or reduce exposure to asthma triggers and respiratory irritants.
- Follow your Asthma Action Plan to keep your asthma under control.
- Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) offers this template for an Asthma Action Plan.
- Seek medical care if your symptoms occur more than twice per week.
- Protect yourself from respiratory infections.
- Get vaccinated.
- Wear a mask in crowded places.
- Wash your hands properly.
- Stay away from sick people.
- Manage your allergies and improve indoor air quality.
Reach out to a primary care or other physician to receive diagnosis and treatment if you are experiencing the symptoms of asthma. You can get help connecting to a primary care physician, regardless of insurance status, by visiting rhhd.gov/connect-pc.
Make sure your child’s school nurse has a copy of their asthma action plan. Parents can find more information at RHHD’s school health hub, rhhd.gov/school-health-hub.
Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.
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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs.
rhhd.gov | henrico.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd