Managing Asthma Over The Christmas Period

The Asthma Society advises 470,000 people in Ireland with asthma to take care this Christmas and winter period.

Both Christmas and winter ski holidays may negatively affect people with asthma if their asthma is not under control and they do not have a management plan. Dr Patrick Manning, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Chairperson of the Medical Committee of the Asthma Society of Ireland, offers the following advice to people with asthma;

"Cold weather can impact on people with asthma.  On a cold windy day, use your reliever inhaler before going out and wrap a scarf around your face to reduce the affect of the cold air.  Also, reduce your chance of catching colds and viral infections by getting vaccinated against swine flu, seasonal flu and pneumococcal disease as contracting any of these may induce an asthma attack." People with asthma should be extra careful as colds and viral infections are very common asthma triggers.

People with asthma are no more likely to catch swine flu than anyone else but if they do catch swine flu, it could add to breathing difficulties they may already have. If your asthma is well controlled you will be less susceptible to swine flu, seasonal flu etc

Everyone with asthma should have an up to date Personal Asthma Action Plan. If you don't have one, ask your GP or asthma nurse to devise a Personal Asthma Action Plan with you. This will help control your asthma and include details of your medicine, how to tell your symptoms are getting worse and what to do in an asthma attack.

Dr Manning continued, "Stress is known to be a major trigger in causing an asthma attack and Christmas can be a stressful event for some people.  If you have asthma, take care to ensure that you don't become over stressed during this time.  Planning and delegation of tasks to others in the family will all help to reduce stress levels for you.”The risk for asthma triggers can also come from within the home. Items around the home can be a potential trigger for people with asthma, Dr Manning advised.
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1. "Christmas trees gather mould from being outdoors in wet weather.  Mould spores are common asthma triggers. Ideally, buy an artificial tree for the home and wipe it down to remove any dust particles.  If you are intent on having a real tree, allow your tree to dry fully before bringing it into the home.

2. Artificial snow sprays and fragrance sprays can all induce asthma symptoms. 

3. Wash fabric decorations in hot water before displaying; this will get rid of any dust that has been gathered while in storage. Plastic, glass or metal decorations should be used in order to prevent them gathering dust mites. Put artificial trees in a closed or sealed bag for storing.”

Dr Manning of the Asthma Society of Ireland also recommends the following advice for planning a ski holiday this winter if you have asthma:

1. "Ask your doctor to provide you with a letter outlining the history and severity of your asthma and your treatment. Take your written asthma diary, action plan and all medications with you on holiday.

2. Check that any medical insurance you take out will specifically cover an asthma attack. The E111 scheme may mean you are exempt from medical expenses you incur abroad. For more information on the E111 certificate contact your local HSE office.

3. Ensure your medication is carried in your hand luggage with spare supplies in your suitcase.

4. It may be beneficial to bring a medication delivery system such as a spacer with you in case of an emergency. This is especially important for children.

5. Fit healthy people with well controlled asthma should have no problems coping with high altitudes provided that they ascend slowly and recognise and accept their limitations,  adjust medication if needs be.

6. In freezing conditions, prescribed inhalers may not work properly. They should be warmed (e.g. in the hands) before use.

7. Cold air can exacerbate your asthma so cover your face with a scarf and carry your reliever inhaler while on the slopes."