Beware! Warm weather can trigger your asthma
As the warm weather continues amid various heat warnings and record temperatures, the Asthma Society of Ireland is urging the public to look out for people with asthma and other lung conditions, particularly children and older people.
Parents, sports coaches and camp leaders are being asked to take additional precautions where children are active or spending prolonged periods outdoors.
Older people with asthma or other lung conditions are at greater risk during prolonged hot and humid weather, and the Society is encouraging neighbours, family members and carers to check in on them regularly.
The organisation is reiterating Met Éireann’s advice to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of fluids and stay in the shade where possible.
Hot or humid conditions can make breathing more difficult, worsen symptoms and increase the risk of an asthma attack. With warm and increasingly humid nights also, the Society is reminding people that asthma symptoms commonly worsen overnight or in the early morning.
For the 450,000 people living with asthma in Ireland, understanding and preparing for these risks is becoming an increasingly important part of managing their condition as periods of extreme heat become more frequent and intensify.
The current forest-fire risk adds a further hazard, as smoke contains fine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing irritation and inflammation that may lead to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Emissions from wildfires can travel considerable distances, affecting air quality far beyond their immediate locality.
Smoke from barbecues can also trigger asthma symptoms, and the Society is urging people to avoid exposure to smoke where possible, limit time outdoors if air quality is affected and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
High pollen
The hot weather also coincides with high pollen levels across much of Ireland. Around 80% of people with asthma also have hay fever, meaning many people are being exposed to multiple asthma triggers.
Ways to stay well during
hot weather include:
* Reducing strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day
* Keeping indoor spaces as cool as possible
* Checking daily pollen and air quality forecasts
* Follow your Asthma Plan
The Asthma Society of Ireland encourages anyone experiencing worsening asthma symptoms to seek medical advice. Anyone experiencing severe breathing difficulties or symptoms that do not improve after using their reliever inhaler should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
SUPPORTS
The Asthma Society's free nurse-led support services are available throughout the summer.
People can speak directly with a specialist asthma nurse or physiotherapist by calling the Asthma Adviceline on 1800 44 54 64, or access advice through the Society's free nurse-led WhatsApp messaging service on 086 059 0132.
If you are experiencing an asthma attack or require urgent medical attention, call 112 or 999 immediately.