BONFIRE night could trigger potentially deadly asthma attacks for millions of sufferers, experts have warned.
Smoke and fumes from the fireworks and burning wood linger in the air and create localised pollution as people gather to watch the displays and the burning of Guy Fawkes.
Asthma UK said two thirds of asthma sufferers say poor air quality makes their symptoms worse, meaning Bonfire Night could trigger attacks for the 5.4 million asthma sufferers in the UK.
The charity warned that the smoke from bonfires coupled with cold and wet weather, which can also trigger asthma symptoms, could be a "deadly" combination.
The warning comes after weather forecasts predict that temperatures could drop below zero in some parts of the country at the weekend.
Dr Andy Whittamore, Asthma UK's in-house GP, advised people to have their blue inhaler on them at all times.
"Lots of people love the excitement of bonfire night, but for some people with asthma it could be deadly," he said.
"We don’t want people with asthma to miss out but we want them to be safe and aware of the increased risk this Bonfire Night when pollution will be higher than normal.
"We are urging people with asthma, or parents of children with asthma, to make sure they have their reliever inhaler with them, and want people’s friends and family to know what to do if their asthma symptoms suddenly get worse."
Each day in the UK three people die from asthma attacks, according to the charity.
An attack happens when a person's airways start to tighten, which can leave them coughing, wheezing and gasping for breath.
Some people with asthma describe having an attack as feeling like someone is holding a pillow over their face.
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And the condition often gets worse when there are pollutants in the air, such as smoke.
But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun if you have asthma.
The charity advises sufferers to avoid smoky situations as best they can and if they feel their symptoms start to get worse stand back and watch the fireworks from a distance.
A LUNG CONDITION THAT CAUSES BREATHING DIFFICULTIES
Asthma affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also appear for the first time in adults.
It is caused by inflammation of the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs.
This inflammation makes the breathing tubes highly sensitive, so they temporarily become narrow.
This may occur randomly, or after exposure to a trigger like dust, pollen, smoke and even exercise.
The main symptoms include
- a tight chest
Symptoms can sometimes get temporarily worse, this is known as an asthma attack.
There is no known cure for asthma but the symptoms can be managed with a number of treatments.
Most asthma treatments are taken using an inhaler, a small device that delivers a spray or powder medicine to your breathing tubes as you breathe in.
The main treatments are:
- avoiding potential triggers
- reliever inhalers – inhalers used when needed to quickly relieve asthma symptoms for a short time
- preventer inhalers – inhalers used every day to reduce the inflammation in the breathing tubes
Source: NHS Choices
Before you head out to a celebration near you be sure you have taken your preventative medications.
Make sure your family and friends know what to do if you have an attack and take a scarf and coat to keep yourself warm.
If you have any symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing or tightness in the chest speak to your GP as soon as possible.
Asthma UK offers a helpline for people with concerns. The number is 0300 555 2800
MORE ON ASTHMA
They also offer support at asthma.org.uk.
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