An asthma patient from Belfast says he doesn't know how he will keep his home warm this winter as he worries about being able to afford the rising cost of energy.
Keith Gray spoke to Belfast Live about how the cost of living crisis will impact those with respiratory conditions which could become increasingly worse if they are unable to heat their homes and stay warm.
The 44-year-old said he is currently suffering from a chest infection and is already finding it difficult to "scrimp and save" so that he is able to afford heating every week.
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He said that gas prices have already increased three times this year for him, meaning he is paying double the amount to heat his home that he did last year.
Keith said: "The rising cost of living is already having a big impact on my life as I have seen my energy bills double in the space of a few months, not to mention the rising prices of everything in the shops.
"I used to be able to top up my gas £20 and it would last me for a week or two, but now I fear that I could be forced to spend £50 to £60 every week just get keep my house warm.
"Over the summer I have done my best to reduce costs, and thanks to the good weather I have been able to, but once the winter sets in I will have to make sure that the heating is on, or my health will be heavily impacted.
"I don't know what it is going to take, how far do we have to sink to the bottom of the barrel before we get the help that we need?
"The onus now is on the Executive getting back together and doing something that will help people get through this winter, but at the moment they just do not seem to care."
Leading lung charity Asthma + Lung UK, has said a recent survey found that one in five people with asthma say that the cost of living crisis has caused asthma attacks as they have had to cut back on medicine, heating and food.
It surveyed more than 3,600 people with lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis, also found that 1 in 2 say their condition had worsened since the cost of living crisis began, with many needing emergency treatment.
Winter is already the most dangerous time of the year for people with lung conditions and the charity is warning that this year could see a "tidal wave of admissions".
It has also said that a recent survey found that people with lung conditions across the UK have already begun making changes to their lives in order to cope with the cost of living.
This includes buying and eating less food, which has an impact on immune systems, and using medical devices that require electricity less in order to make sure they can afford their bills.
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland, said: “The unacceptable cost of living hikes are forcing people with lung conditions to make impossible choices about their health. Warm homes, regular medicine and a healthy diet are all important pillars to good lung condition management – but they all come at a cost.
"We are hearing from people already reporting a sharp decline in their lung health, including many having life-threatening asthma attacks. With temperatures beginning to fall and further energy price hikes looming, we’re seriously worried that when winter bites it will tip the country into a public health crisis.
“Without a functioning Executive and Assembly, lives are being put at risk this winter. People with lung conditions in the poorest neighbourhoods are three and half times more likely to die that those in the richest areas in Northern Ireland. These added pressures are only going to make things worse. We are calling on party leaders to come together and form an Executive urgently to step up, deliver and help the most vulnerable in our society."
Dr Andrew Whittamore, Clinical Lead at Asthma + Lung UK and a practicing GP, said: “Winter is the deadliest season for people with lung conditions. Cold homes are very dangerous for people with lung conditions because they provide the perfect environment for respiratory infections to thrive.
Cold air is a trigger for life-threatening asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups. In the longer-term, cold homes are a hotbed for mould and damp, which alongside cold air are also common lung triggers. Breathing in mould spores can also cause a lung condition called aspergillosis, which can cause shortness of breath, wheeze, weight loss and a high temperature.”
What measures are you taking to try and off-set the cost of living increases? Please let us know in the comments.
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