How to cope with asthma during Britain’s cold snap

In an attack, sit down and take slow, steady breaths. Take one puff of your reliever inhaler every 30 to 60 seconds, up to a maximum of ten puffs (stock photo)

Prevent 

A spell of cold weather is especially troubling for the five million asthmatics in the UK, as chilly temperatures irritate the already sensitive airways.

But you can protect yourself from sudden asthma attacks – caused by acute tightening of muscles around the airway – with the help of a written asthma action plan designed by a GP or asthma nurse.

Avoid irritants to your airways such as alcohol, dust mites, cold weather, pets, stress, pollen, and air pollution.

A study at Queen Mary University of London found taking Vitamin D tablets alongside standard asthma medication halved the risk of asthma-related hospital admission.

Treat 

In an attack, sit down and take slow, steady breaths.  

Take one puff of your reliever inhaler every 30 to 60 seconds, up to a maximum of ten puffs. 

Call 999 if you’re without an inhaler, if you don’t feel better after ten puffs, or if you’re worried at all.

Avoid

Salt therapy, such as salt caves and salt pipes. It’s claimed that breathing in salt particles improves asthma symptoms.

But the British Thoracic Society says there is no specific evidence to show this helps.

In fact inhaling concentrated salts has been proven to irritate the airways, causing coughing and mucus, which may worsen symptoms.

 



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