Asthma Clinic

Be wary of asthma this winter

A winter awareness campaign for people with asthma has been launched by the Asthma Society of Ireland in conjunction with the HSE.

The campaign, entitled 'Stay well with asthma this winter' aims to encourage those with the condition to be aware of the extra risk factors, such as increased viral illness and cold weather, that can trigger an asthma attack.

During the winter months there is a 12% increase in asthma-related hospital admissions and one person dies every week as a result of asthma in Ireland.

The campaign urges people with asthma to take the following precautions:

*Keep taking your medication regularly as prescribed in order to control symptoms.

*Get vaccinated against the flu.

*Speak to your GP if asthma symptoms worsen or you are using your blue inhaler more than twice a week.

*If cold air triggers your asthma, take two puffs of your reliever before going out.

*Take extra care when exercising in cold weather. Warm up for 10 to 15 minutes. Take two puffs of your reliever inhaler before you start.

The Asthma Society also advises that people with asthma should keep a personal action plan.

This plan can be completed with one's doctor or nurse and should contain the information you need to control your asthma, such as asthma medications, signs of deterioration in asthma symptoms and
emergency information on what to do if you have an asthma attack.

"It is important that people take asthma seriously this winter and ensure tney take the medicaiton as prescribed by their GP," said Dr Pat Manning, Chair of the Asthma Society's Medical Committee.

He added that people should carry an asthma attack card, as this will provide them with the best possible information on how to recognise an asthma attack and what steps to take when it occurs.

Dr Manning said it was also important to consider getting the flu vaccine as respiratory viruses cause 60% of asthma attacks in adults and 80% in children.