Asthma UK issues advice on managing asthma in hot weather conditions

Following advice from The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on minimising exposure to ozone during hotter weather, health charity Asthma UK, is issuing advice for people with asthma who find that their symptoms get worse at this time of year.

Cher Piddock, Asthma UK Adviceline nurse, says: ‘Asthma symptoms can worsen during hotter weather due to higher levels of pollen and pollution, such as ozone. High levels of pollution have been linked to an increased risk of asthma attacks and low peak flow readings, particularly on hot days. It has also been associated with increased visits to Accident and Emergency departments and the need for increased medication.

‘Around two thirds of people with asthma say pollution triggers their condition, so Asthma UK recommends that people who have pollution as a trigger avoid going out if air quality is poor. We also recommend that people always carry their reliever inhaler, avoid exercising outdoors on hot days, especially in the afternoon and keep windows shut whenever possible. It may also be helpful to keep a regular check on air quality levels in the local area, so that it is possible to make changes to plans for the following day if pollution levels will be high.'

For people with asthma who suffer from a range of seasonal triggers, an online service is available via the Asthma UK website, asthma.org.uk. The bespoke service, Asthma Trigger Tips, offers people with asthma and parents of children who suffer with the condition the opportunity to access tailored information and advice to help them effectively manage their asthma during seasonal changes. The service also offers advice on a whole range of lifestyle triggers including diet, exercise, smoking and stress, and household triggers including animals, dust mites, moulds and fungi.

Cher continues: ‘For many people with asthma, the change in seasons can bring with it a whole host of problems and multiple asthma triggers. This online service offers advice as well as directing the web user to a range of helpful factsheets on the management of asthma.'

Anyone who is concerned about their asthma, or what to do during hotter weather, should contact their doctor or asthma nurse, or call the Asthma UK Adviceline on 0800 121 62 44.