Tips for asthma sufferers over Christmas

The National Asthma Council of Australia has issued its seasonal reminder of Christmas asthma triggers, to help sufferers avoid unecessary wheezing and asthma episodes. Asthmatics are reminded:

• that real pine trees can bear pollen which triggers asthma in some people; be aware of this and use artificial trees if this is the case.
• to avoid dusty decorations and highly scented candles.
• to vacuum artificial trees and decorations and unpack them outside if possible, wiping down artificial trees before putting them up inside. Store cleaned decorations in a sealed bag or box after Christmas, so they are less likely to be a problem next year.
• to be aware that emotional ups and downs, including laughter and stress, can trigger wheezing.
• to keep to their personal written asthma action plan and make sure medication supplies are sufficient and on hand even if out socialising or away travelling.

The asthma action plan can be stored on a smartphone and accessed via the Asthma Buddy iPhone and Android app. Visitwww.nationalasthma.org.au for more information.

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