Asthma sufferers urged to wear scarves in cold to stop attacks

Asthma sufferers are being encouraged to wear a scarf over their nose and mouth to prevent asthma attacks this winter.

Breathing in cold, damp air can make the airways tighten and trigger an attack in three out of four people, charity Asthma UK says.

This can leave people coughing, wheezing and gasping for breath, according to BBC.

The charity’s #Scarfie campaign says “a scarf can save a life” but it’s not a replacement for asthma medicines.

Four million people with asthma in the UK say that breathing in cold winter air makes their asthma symptoms worse.

Ethan Jennings, who is nearly four, and from Lancashire, has had severe asthma symptoms since he was a baby. In one year, he was rushed to hospital 17 times for treatment.

His dad, Trevor, says winter is always a bad time for him.

“When it gets cold, it’s bedlam, he’s more prone to colds and that brings out his symptoms.”

The winter when he turned one was particularly awful – “we nearly lost him”, Trevor says.

Ethan spent a week in hospital fighting for his life having been given all available treatments.

Since then, he has responded better but his parents know that they have to be particularly vigilant in winter.

“I’m just waiting to hear a cough. He hasn’t yet got the vocabulary to tell me his chest is tight, but that is coming.

“In the meantime, anything we can do to protect him when he’s outdoors – we do it.”

 

H.Z

 

You might also like
Latest news
President Al-Sharaa receives a message of congratulations from the Director of the Organization for ... The Secretary General of the Arab League warns of the consequences of the Israeli riot in the region Britain calls on Israel to respect the territorial integrity of Syria The U.S. Embassy in Syria praises the civilized role of Syrians living in America Solidarity vigils with the families of the martyrs of Daraa throughout Syria Demonstration in Moadamiyet al Sham A vigil for the people of Khan Sheikhoun commemorating the 8th anniversary of the chemical massacre Al Sheibani :On the anniversary of the chemical attack on Khan Sheikhoun (Idlib)we pledge to continu... Al Sheibani welcomes decision of Human Rights Council Civil delegations visit the city of Nawa to offer condolences to the martyrs families and community ... Turkey Warns Against Israeli Actions in Syria, Citing Risks to Regional Stability and Counterterrori... A protest in the city of Sweida condemning the Israeli attacks Minister al-Ali  discusses with Syrian doctors  in Germany ways to support the health sector Eid al-Fitr Initiative " a message of hope and love for children and families” The organization of Islamic Cooperation condemns the ongoing Israeli attacks on Syrian territory The health sector in Gaza is suffering a catastrophic situation Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry condemns Israeli attacks on Syria          Turkey holds Israel responsible for threatening regional security First phase of prisoner exchange deal between the government and the SDF completed Repeated Israeli raids on Syria receive wide condemnation