Charity issues warning ahead of bonfire and firework displays
As many of us head to firework and bonfire events, Asthma + Lung UK Cymru say the smoke combined with cold weather could be a life-threatening trigger
Smoke combined with cold weather could be a life-threatening trigger for those with asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) says Asthma + Lung UK Cymru.
The charity's warning people with a lung condition to take extra precautions on and around Bonfire Night as a ‘dangerous duo’ of smoke and cold weather could put them at risk of a life-threatening asthma attack or life-threatening flare up of their condition.
Asthma affects roughly 590,000 people in Wales:
With asthma affecting roughly 590,000 people in Wales and 185,000 living with COPD, many could experience worsening symptoms like breathlessness, wheezing and coughing, or even end up in hospital seriously unwell due to the smoke from bonfires, coupled with colder air.
Breathing in smoke from bonfires and fireworks can be dangerous for people with lung conditions like asthma and COPD because it can irritate airways and worsen symptoms.
As winter gets closer, temperatures begin dropping and cold air can cause airways to narrow, increasing the amount of mucus produced, making it harder to breathe.
Over half of people living with asthma say poor air quality made their symptoms worse:
Jo, who has asthma, is retired and lives in Ceredigion. Her asthma is made worse by smoke. She said:
“Where I used to live abroad, there would be a huge annual community bonfire just along the road.
“The smoke still got into our house sometimes and worsened my asthma. It took days for the air to clear.
"I shudder now when I remember taking my own children to “enjoy” smoky big bonfires every year."
Over half of people living with asthma (54%), surveyed by the charity said poor air quality, including smoke, made their symptoms worse and seven in ten people surveyed (70%) said cold air triggered their condition.2,3
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Cymru, said:
“We know that bonfire displays and fireworks can be good fun, but they can also be dangerous if you have a lung condition.
"When coupled with a drop in temperature and colder air it can make asthma and COPD symptoms worse, meaning that in the next week people with asthma could face a dangerous combination of smoke and cold air.
"Smoke from bonfires can also linger in the air for hours afterwards"
“The best thing you can do is take your preventer inhaler every day as prescribed, as this builds up protection in your airways. Keep your reliever inhaler to hand if you have one, so you can use it to quickly relieve symptoms if they do come on. If the smoke from fireworks, bonfires or cold air have brought on your symptoms before, it may be best to stay indoors and enjoy the display from a window.