Co Kildare people with asthma urged to take precautions ahead of the arrival of “The Beast from the East”
By Kim O'Leary
As the Beast from the East approaches, The Asthma Society of Ireland is asking people affected by asthma to be conscious of the seasonal triggers that might worsen their asthma throughout the cold period.
According to the Asthma Society of Ireland approximately 21,193 people living in Co Kildare have asthma and they are being encouraged to mind their health over the next few days with snow and ice forecast as Storm Emma approaches, while a Status Orange warning - the second highest level - has been issued for the east of the country with daytime temperatures forecast to dip to 0C.
Snow showers are expected today along with a widespread frost and icy conditions in Kildare, Dublin, Carlow, Laois, Louth, Wicklow and Meath.
With 470,000 people affected, Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence of asthma worldwide. Approximately one person a week dies as a result of asthma, yet 90% of these deaths are preventable.
Kevin Kelly, Advocacy and Communications Manager at the Asthma Society of Ireland commented: “Fluctuating weather conditions, common colds, viral infections and flu can cause symptoms of asthma and can bring on an asthma attack, so it is important to use a reliever inhaler before going out on cold windy days and to wrap a scarf around your face to reduce the affect of the cold air.”
TIPS FOR MANAGING ASTHMA DURING WINTER:
-Take your prescribed medication and have your inhaler with you at all times.
-Use a reliever inhaler before going out in frosty, damp conditions
-On cold windy days wear a scarf over your nose and mouth - this will help to warm up the air before you breathe it in
-Take care to ensure that you don’t become over stressed and have effective ways of dealing with it
-Keep taking your medication regularly as prescribed in order to control symptoms
-Speak to your GP if asthma symptoms worsen at night or you are using your blue inhaler more than twice a week
-Take extra care when exercising in cold weather. Warm up for 10-15 minutes. Take two puffs of your reliever inhaler before you start
-If you are going on a winter holiday make sure you have enough medication with you to last the entire trip, and speak to your GP if you have any concerns about triggers at your destination
-Be aware that the following are common triggers for people with asthma at this time of year; Chest infections, sudden changes in temperature, cold / windy conditions
Asthma sufferers are being asked to ensure that they have enough medication to last several days as a precaution. If you need advice contact our Asthma Adviceline on 1800 44 54 64 and speak to an asthma nurse specialist about winter triggers or visit www.asthma.ie