People with asthma, COPD and other lung conditions are being urged to take extra care at Eleventh Night celebrations to avoid potentially life-threatening asthma attacks and flare-ups, a leading lung charity is warning.
Every year, huge bonfires are lit in areas across Northern Ireland on the Eleventh Night to usher in the main date in the parading calendar - the Twelfth of July.
But around 186,000 people in Northern Ireland with lung conditions such as asthma or COPD could find smoke from bonfires triggers their symptoms, say Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland.
Read more: Towering Eleventh night bonfires take shape across Northern Ireland
The charity experts warn that particles of smoke can irritate airways, causing them to become inflamed and tighten. This results in coughing and wheezing and makes it very difficult for people to breathe.
People with lung conditions such as asthma or COPD should stand well back from bonfires and make sure they have their reliever inhaler (usually blue) with them to relieve symptoms if they get them.
Joseph Carter Head of Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland said: “If you have a lung condition and are planning to go to a display, stand well back from bonfires and make sure you have your reliever inhaler with you to relieve symptoms as they come on. If you are going with friends and family make sure they know what to do in an asthma attack.
“Smoke from bonfires can stay in the air for quite a long time, creating areas of air pollution that can trigger asthma attacks or symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and breathlessness.
“The good news is if people follow our top tips such as taking their preventer inhaler (usually brown) as prescribed, keeping their reliever inhaler (usually blue) with them and making sure their family and friends know what to do if they have an asthma attack, they shouldn’t have to miss out on festivities.
“Again, we advise anyone with a lung condition such as asthma to ensure their friends and family know what to do if they have an asthma attack. Please head to our website for more information.”
Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland is urging people with lung conditions to stay well during the Eleventh Night celebrations by following these top tips:
- Take your preventer medicines as prescribed
- Always carry your reliever inhaler with you
- If you find that smoke is making you cough, stand well back from the fire
- Make sure your friends and family know what to do and when to get help if your asthma symptoms suddenly get worse
- Visit our website to share the charity’s ‘what to do in an asthma attack’ advice with friends and family.
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