UK charity warns Bonfire Night smoke may worsen conditions for asthma patients, urges extra precautions

A charity, Asthma & Lung UK, has warned that the combination of respiratory viruses, cold weather, and smokes from bonfires and fireworks pose a "deadly" threat to asthma patients. The charity has requested that people with lung conditions take some extra precautions during the Bonfire Night celebrations.

According to a survey by the charity, two in five asthma patients in Scotland have accepted that poor air quality causes deterioration in their health condition. The survey report stated winter's cold temperatures, an abundance of viruses, and rising flu prevalence could result in a rise in severe asthma attacks.




The charity stated that not only asthma patients but people with other lung conditions also need to take precautions. About 40 per cent of the respondents, who are suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), revealed that the poor air quality had worsened their symptoms. Nearly 66 per cent of the respondent accepted that cold air deteriorated their conditions.

About 3, 68,000 people in Scotland are living with asthma, and 1, 30,000 have COPD, an umbrella term used for several lung conditions, including chest tightness, breathing difficulties, and wheezing. Official figures suggest that there were over 600 emergency hospital admissions in Scotland in November 2018.

The charity has advised asthma patients to take preventer medicines before going to Bonfire Night parties. Besides, they should stand back from the fire and carry a reliever inhaler.

FAQs:

1). What is COPD?
COPD means chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is an umbrella term used for several lung conditions.

2). Which precautions should asthma patients take?
Asthma patients should always take preventer medicines and carry a reliever inhaler.