It’s almost that time of year again. You might be planning on heading to a firework display, but be careful if you have or know someone with asthma.
It turns out that bonfires and firework displays could affect asthma sufferers across the country, due to smoke particles that are emitted from these displays.
When they create air pollution, this causes a major trigger for 61 per cent of those with asthma.
Asthma UK has issued this warning, after seeing a 20 per cent surge in calls lasr year over Bonfire Night and its surrounding weekends, compared to the previous week.
Figures show that over 7,600 people were admitted to hospital as a result of asthma in November 2017, compared to 7,100 the month in October.
Asthma attacks can be frightening for some, as pollution makes it very difficult for them to breathe. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness or pain.
Read more: Asthma UK warns one million people are at risk of a life threatening asthma attack
Dr Andy Whittamore, Clinical Lead at Asthma UK, said: “Fireworks and bonfire displays might look pretty but if you have asthma triggered by smoke, they could land you in hospital.
“While many people will be looking forward to watching firework displays, the increased levels of soot in the air can get into people’s airways and trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath or even an asthma attack."
He added, “The good news is if people with asthma follow our top tips such as taking their preventer inhaler (usually brown) as prescribed, keeping their reliever inhaler (usually blue) with them in case of emergencies and making sure their family and friends know what to do if they have an asthma attack, they should not have to miss out on festivities.”
Recently, experts warned about the dangers of scented candles as they can often give off fumes that may affect asthma sufferers.
Sainsbury’s also announced they won’t be selling fireworks in any of their supermarkets after a backlash.
So if you are heading out to any displays, make sure you and your family are safe from potential asthma attacks.
And if you do find yourself experiencing problems, it’s best to leave the area and seek medical help just in case.
