The UK is expected to face continued cold weather this weekend and into the next week, with the Met Office issuing new snow and ice warnings post-Storm Goretti. To stay healthy, people are advised to wear face masks to prevent illnesses, particularly those with chronic asthma, as highlighted by a TikTok user emphasizing the importance of protecting one’s chest.
Asthma + Lung UK reports that around 7.2 million individuals in the UK, approximately 8% of the population, suffer from asthma. The charity warns that asthma symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, coughing, or chest tightness can escalate quickly into an asthma attack, underscoring the need for preventive measures to avoid exacerbations and unnecessary medical visits.
The TikTok influencer, TheAsthmaInfluencer, stresses the significance of keeping warm and shielding the airways, suggesting daily peak flow tests to monitor any worsening patterns. Additionally, maintaining a spacer at home for immediate relief in case of chest discomfort is encouraged, along with using a nebuliser when necessary.
Furthermore, TheAsthmaInfluencer recommends regular intake of hot drinks to keep the airways warm and maintain body temperature. Responding to a fellow sufferer’s tight chest due to the cold weather, steaming a room is suggested as a helpful remedy.
For outdoor safety during cold weather, Asthma + Lung UK advises individuals to warm up the air they breathe and offers various tips for protecting airways in chilly conditions.
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