Ian Wright, 56, is part of the new line-up for ITV’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here. But as the former sportsman prepares for life in the jungle camp, his mother, Nesta, has voiced fears that crawling through tight spaces could trigger some breathing difficulties.
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Speaking to MailOnline, Ian’s 90-year-old mum shared her concerns: “The only thing with Ian is that you know when they go through those little tunnels and stuff like that? He won’t like that.”
She continued: “When he was a kid he suffered really badly with asthma, he doesn’t have it now as an adult but going in those small places with water dripping – it’s scary.”
But just in case any medical emergencies occur, the I’m A Celebrity crew always have a medic on hand.
So what is an asthma attack?
An asthma attack kills three people in the UK each day, but many of these deaths can be avoided.
Recognising the symptoms of an asthma attack can help avoid complications happening.
The NHS lists the following symptoms to look out for:
- Your symptoms are getting worse (cough), breathlessness, wheezing or tight chest)
- Your reliever inhaler (usually blue) isn’t helping
- You’re too breathless to speak, eat or sleep
- Your breathing is getting faster and it feels like you can’t catch your breath
- Your peak flow score is lower than normal
- Children may also complain of a tummy or chest ache
What should you do if someone has an asthma attack?
The health body advises if you think you’re having an asthma attack, you should:
1. Sit upright (don’t lie down) and try to take slow, steady breaths. Try to remain calm, as panicking will make things worse.
2. Take 1 puff of your reliever inhaler (usually blue) every 30 to 60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs.
3. Call 999 for an ambulance if you don’t have your inhaler with you, you feel worse despite using your inhaler, you don’t feel better after taking 10 puffs or you’re worried at any point.
4. If the ambulance hasn’t arrived within 15 minutes, repeat step 2.
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How to prevent an asthma attack
LloydsPharmacy pharmacist Parent Patel offers her advice for managing asthma symptoms, particularly during the winter months.
Carry your inhaler at all times
Inhalers are essential for those with asthma as they help to relieve symptoms and protect the airways to reduce the chances of asthma symptoms appearing. It is particularly important to have easy access to your inhaler in cold weather as it can trigger asthma symptoms.
Pareena advises: “If the winter weather tends to trigger your asthma, make sure you are prepared before the season starts by carrying your reliever inhaler at all times, regularly taking your preventer inhaler as instructed by your doctor, making sure your asthma action plan is up-to-date, and ensuring you attend your regular asthma reviews.”
Invest in a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are a great investment for asthma sufferers as they help to remove allergens such as mould, mildew and dust mites from the environment by reducing humidity levels in the air. To prevent mould, maintain a humidity level of 45 and 50 percent.
Pareena comments: “If mould spores released during damp weather are a trigger for your asthma then consider investing in a dehumidifier and ensuring you air any damp rooms in your house, such as the bathroom, regularly.”
Wrap up warm
Cold dry air can trigger asthma symptoms as the airways become irritated and swollen, making symptoms worse. Those with asthma are encouraged to wear a scarf over their nose during winter as this can help to prevent asthma attacks due to cold weather.
Pareena advises: “You may also find it useful to keep an eye on the weather forecast to pre-empt days which may be particularly damp. Sometimes a quick change in temperature, like stepping from a centrally heated home onto a cold street can be a trigger, so wrap up warm and try putting a scarf over your nose to warm up air before it enters your lungs.”
Review your asthma medication frequently
It’s important to frequently review your asthma medication to make sure that it is still working effectively for you. Changes in the weather can trigger symptoms so it is particularly important to review medication before the weather becomes too cold.
Pareena comments: “Changes in weather can affect your asthma symptoms differently and so it is a good idea to review your asthma medication and asthma action plan ahead of winter. This can help you take the right action at the right time, and ultimately could save your life.”
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