Why The Change In Weather Could Be Making Your Asthma Worse
Colder air, seasonal illnesses and changing conditions can all aggravate breathing problems. Here is what Havering residents can do to manage their symptoms.
People with asthma may have noticed their chest feeling tighter or their breathing becoming more difficult as the weather begins to change.
Cold and dry air can irritate the airways, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and chest tightness. Sudden changes in temperature, damp conditions, pollen, air pollution and seasonal respiratory infections can also trigger symptoms for some people.
The NHS has warned that September regularly brings an increase in children attending A&E with asthma attacks as they return to school and encounter coughs, colds and other triggers.
Parents and carers are being encouraged to make sure their child has an up-to-date asthma action plan, uses their inhaler correctly, receives an annual asthma review and understands how air quality may affect their breathing.
The same basic precautions can help adults manage their condition.
People should continue taking their preventer medication exactly as prescribed and keep their reliever inhaler with them. Asthma medication should not be stopped or changed without speaking to a healthcare professional.
Covering the nose and mouth loosely with a scarf when going outside can help warm the air before it reaches the lungs. Breathing through the nose rather than the mouth may also reduce irritation caused by cold air.
It can also help to understand your individual triggers. These may include cold weather, pollen, dust, mould, smoke, pollution, exercise or respiratory infections. Keeping a note of when symptoms become worse could help identify a pattern to discuss with a healthcare professional.
Anyone whose symptoms are becoming more frequent, who is waking at night because of coughing or breathing difficulties, or who is using their reliever inhaler more often than usual should contact their GP or asthma nurse.
An asthma review can check whether medication is working properly, confirm that an inhaler is being used correctly and ensure the patient has an appropriate action plan.
Anyone who is unsure whether they require urgent medical help can contact NHS 111 online or by telephone.
Severe difficulty breathing can be life-threatening. Call 999 immediately if someone is struggling to breathe, is too breathless to speak, their condition is rapidly worsening or their reliever medication is not helping. Follow their personal asthma action plan while waiting for assistance.
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