Anybody with asthma has been issued an urgent safety warning this weekend.
With Diwali celebrations in full swing and Bonfire Night to be celebrated across the weekend there will be firework displays nationwide.
But firework displays can be potentially fatal to anyone who suffers from the inflammatory disease with the celebratory items potentially causing reactions for asthma sufferers.
Firework warning to asthma sufferers
Dr Andy Whittamore, Clinical Lead at Asthma UK and a practicing GP, said: “Fireworks and bonfire displays might look pretty but if you have asthma triggered by smoke, they could land you in hospital.
“While many people will be looking forward to watching firework displays, the increased levels of soot in the air can get into people’s airways and trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath or even an asthma attack.
“The good news is if people with asthma follow our top tips such as taking their preventer inhaler (usually brown) as prescribed, keeping their reliever inhaler (usually blue) with them in case of emergencies and making sure their family and friends know what to do if they have an asthma attack, they should not have to miss out on festivities.
“We have more information at asthma.org.uk/bonfire-night.”
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