Asthmatics, remember, remember the 5th of November! Millions of patients are at risk of deadly attacks because of lingering smoke given off by fireworks on bonfire night, charity warns
- Asthma UK has warned localised air pollution are a common trigger for patients
- This form of pollution can be created by lingering smoke given off by fireworks
- The charity also warned the cold air on the night can lead to an asthma attack
Millions of asthmatics have been told to remember, remember the fifth of November amid fears bonfire night celebrations could trigger deadly attacks.
Asthma UK has warned localised air pollution – created by lingering smoke particles given off by firework displays – are a common trigger for patients.
It said the cold air can also lead to an asthma attack and advised sufferers wrap up warm and keep a thin scarf loosely over their nose and mouth.
And the charity urged asthma patients to stand back from the fireworks and bonfire if the smoke is making them cough.
Nicola Pearson, 45, from Preston, was left struggling to breathe after firework smoke got into her lungs at a display a few years ago. The school nurse practitioner described it as being a ‘really frightening experience’ and had to leave the celebrations immediately
Asthma UK has warned localised air pollution – created by lingering smoke particles given off by firework displays – are a common trigger for patients
Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead at Asthma UK and a practising GP, said: ‘Fireworks and bonfire displays might look pretty.
‘But if you have asthma triggered by smoke, they could land you in hospital. The good news is if people with asthma follow our top tips… they should not have to miss out.’
He added patients should take their preventer inhaler – usually brown, and keep their reliever inhaler – usually blue – with them in case of emergencies.
Nicola Pearson, 45, from Preston, was left struggling to breathe after firework smoke got into her lungs at a display a few years ago.
WHAT DOES ASTHMA UK RECOMMEND PATIENTS DO THIS BONFIRE NIGHT?
- Remember, remember….to carry your reliever inhaler (usually blue) with you at all times.
- Take your preventer medicines as prescribed.
- If you find that smoke is making you cough, stand well back and admire the fireworks from a distance.
- Make sure your friends and family know what to do and when to get help if your asthma symptoms suddenly get worse.
- As cold air can also be an asthma trigger, if it’s cold, wrap a thin scarf loosely over your nose and mouth; this will help to warm up the air before you breathe it in.
The school nurse practitioner described it as being a ‘really frightening experience’ and had to leave the celebrations immediately.
She said: ‘I love fireworks and don’t want to miss out on the fun, so I make sure I carry my reliever inhaler in my coat pocket.’
Ms Pearson also keeps a scarf wrapped loosely around her mouth and nose. She added: ‘That way I can join in the festivities but also stay safe.’
Around 5.4million people in the UK have asthma. It causes inflammation of the airways, which makes it difficult to breathe.
Allergies, dust and exercise can all set off symptoms. And localised air pollution is a huge trigger for 61 per cent of patients, Asthma UK said.
The charity said it received 174 calls to its helpline between November 2 to 12 last year compared to 146 calls between October 5 and 15, 2018.
Meanwhile, more than 7,600 people were admitted to hospital with asthma in the UK in November 2017, compared to 7,100 in the month prior, the charity said.
Three people die from having an asthma attack every day in the UK. Some patients describe it as feeling like someone is holding a pillow over their face.
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