Asthma: Why Dust In The Air Can Trigger Attacks

In Dubai, weather warnings have been released stating that high winds will wreak havoc on cities and towns. These winds will pick up dust, creating dust storms and rain. The high speeds of the winds and sands will decrease visibility, too. The most important factor of this weather though is the effect it will have on people with respiratory issues. Those stating the report have explained that anyone with asthma should either wear a mask or avoid heading out into the weather if at all possible. Doctors in Dubai have noted that there has been a 20 percent increase in patients with upper respiratory complications since the arrival of such extreme weather.

Such sandstorms contain two types of particles, one of which is coarse and one which is fine. Generally, the fine particles cause more damage to people with asthma. GPs have advised that anyone who suffers from asthma should continue to take medication during this weather, even if staying indoors. They suggested that if patients are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath and severe cough, they should seek medical advice as soon as possible in case of an attack.

Asthma is a respiratory condition which affects one’s ability to breathe easily – irritants and particles cause the airways to create an anti-inflammatory attack on the body, which causes the airways to swell and constrict. People suffering from asthma can help to reduce the risk of an attack through limiting their exposure to excess dust and mould spores, chemicals in the air such as air fresheners, and perfumes. Exercising helps to open up the lungs, so light physical activity once or twice a week can help. It’s important to take it easy with exercise though, as it can have an adverse effect – speak to your GP if you’re unsure which forms of exercise are best for the severity of your condition.

Asthma: Why Dust In The Air Can Trigger Attacks

Categories: Asthma, Attack, dust, Stormy Weather, weather, Winds

How to Stop the Stormy Summer Worsening Your Asthma Symptoms

No one is excited by the prospect of bad weather this summer, but if your wellbeing is affected by asthma, then predictions of a stormy summer are even more of a cause for concern. According to Asthma wellness experts, heavy rain can trigger serious attacks in sufferers and so you need to make sure you take preventative measures in the months to come, such as keeping your windows closed at all times.

According to Dr Prasanna Sankaran, who is a specialist registrar in respiratory medicine at the Norfolk and Norwich hospital, ‘The new cases [of asthma] are often after heavy rain and thunderstorms which can trigger an attack.’ Dr Sankaran explained that the reason this happens is because damp weather makes it more likely for fungal spores to be released from the soil and into the air, which you inhale.

After storms swept across the country, weather forecasters in the UK are predicting occurrences of thunder and lightning are set to continue, even bringing tornadoes to some areas. Angela Jones, a nurse specialist at Asthma UK, also noted that your risk of an attack increases during weather conditions such as this. She explained, ‘Large quantities of pollen can be released into the air that trigger asthma symptoms and raise the risk of an emergency hospital admission.’

Angela Jones continued, ‘It also believed “downdraughts” of cold air sweep up high concentrations of pollen and spores. These are thrust into the air, where they are broken up into smaller pieces that can penetrate deep into the lungs.’ She also highlighted that, if you are an asthma sufferer, the increased risk of an attack during volatile weather means it’s crucial for you to keep your asthma medicines with you at all times and to make sure your windows are always closed in order to keep allergens out.

Every seven minutes in the UK, someone is admitted to hospital with a potentially fatal asthma attack. The respiratory condition kills three people every day, even though asthma attacks and hospital admissions can be prevented by spotting and treating early warning signs. Therefore, if you do suffer with asthma, Asthma UK encourage that you take The Triple A Test to help you find out your risk of having an attack. The test also offers advice for what you can do to reduce your risk.

How to Stop the Stormy Summer Worsening Your Asthma Symptoms

Categories: asthma symptoms, Stormy Weather, Triple A Test