Asthma

Essential Health Information for Asthma & Allergy Sufferers Attending Music Festivals This Summer

The Asthma Society of Ireland is urging people with asthma who are attending music festivals this summer to be aware of the large number of triggers at outdoor events that may affect their asthma and allergies. Possible asthma triggers include weather changes, dust, pollen, moulds, air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, aerosols and dry ice, exercise, and alcohol, all of which are part of the festival environment.

Outdoor Festivals

Dublin band The Chapters has joined forces with the Asthma Society of Ireland again this year to help drive awareness. Lead singer Ross McNally commented, "Music festivals have a huge amount of potential asthma triggers. I know this because I’m one of 470,000 people in this country with the condition and my job is playing at these festivals. However, there is no reason why people with asthma can't have an enjoyable experience if they make sure they are prepared and follow the advice of the Asthma Society of Ireland". Click below to watch video

Dr Jean Holohan, CEO, Asthma Society of Ireland said, "Weather changes, high pollen counts and second hand smoke are all part of a large list of triggers at outdoor music festivals that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. People with asthma need to ensure they are prepared, have their asthma under control before they go and know what to do in an emergency. This year, The Asthma Society will have nurses present at Oxegen and other festivals throughout the summer."

If pollen is a trigger for your asthma or allergies, check the pollen forecasts in the region of any music festivals or outdoor events you are attending and also to ask a friend to pitch your tent as pollen and spores may be disturbed by this action. For a Regional pollen forecast or to download the new, free iphone application "Pollen Alert" click here .

Festival goers are urged to remember the following essential health advice:

  • Don’t forget to bring your inhalers with you and have your reliever inhaler on you at all times
  • Know how to deal with an emergency
  • Carry an Asthma Attack card at all times
  • Know where the medical tents are
  • Inform friends if you have asthma
  • Get someone else to put up your tent
  • If you drink alcohol, make sure it is in moderation
  • Don’t smoke
  • Do not take recreational drugs

In the case of an emergency, firstly alert a friend, go to a medical tent and keep calm. Ensure your friends are aware of the following steps:

  • Take your blue reliever immediately
  • Sit down and loosen tight clothing
  • Stay calm - don't panic
  • If no immediate improvement, continue to take the reliever inhaler every minute for five minutes or until symptoms improve
  • If symptoms don’t improve, call a doctor
  • If you don’t have a reliever inhaler, go straight to the medical tent

To speak to an Asthma Nurse call the asthma helpline on 1850 44 54 64. The Asthma Society Helpline is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am-1pm.