Around four million people in England are being urged to keep a reliever inhaler on them when heading outside over the next few days, as Bonfire Night and weekend firework displays can trigger asthma symptoms.
November 5 marks the annual Bonfire Night celebration, with further events expected over the weekend, including firework displays. For approximately four million people in the country, this time of year can worsen the common medical condition. Health experts are warning asthma sufferers, and the parents of children with asthma, about the impact of fireworks and bonfires ahead of UK-wide celebrations.
Rise in inhaler sales and asthma prevalence
Data from the online pharmacy Chemist4U has revealed that sales for reliever inhalers have increased by 150% month-on-month. In England, Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) data from the Department of Health and Social Care Fingertips public health profiles shows that 3,944,639 people (aged six and over) are recorded with an asthma diagnosis. Across the wider UK, approximately 7.2 million people live with asthma (roughly eight in every 100 people), according to data shared by Asthma + Lung UK.
How fireworks and bonfires can affect asthma
Jason Murphy, Superintendent Pharmacist and Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U, explained how bonfires and firework displays can trigger asthma attacks. He said: "Fireworks release fine dust, ash, and small particles that can travel deep into your lower airways when inhaled, and cause irritation. They also release harmful gases, like nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide, which can trigger asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness. Bonfire smoke is another trigger for asthma symptoms, as it irritates your airways and causes inflammation."
How to spot asthma in children
Murphy also offered advice for parents on how to spot the early signs of asthma in their children. He said: "Asthma often isn’t diagnosed in children before the age of 5, as it is difficult for babies and infants to complete the necessary testing or explain their symptoms fully. However, children who have one parent with asthma have a 25% chance of developing the condition rising to 50% if both parents are asthmatic, compared to just 5% for a child with no family history of asthma."
He added: "Some of the key signs your child may be suffering from asthma include persistent coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing or a tight chest. If your child’s breathing changes or they struggle to talk, walk or eat because of breathlessness, this could indicate a severe asthma attack and requires urgent medical attention."
Expert tips for asthma sufferers attending a Bonfire Night event
Murphy urged sufferers to keep a reliever inhaler on them at all times. He explained: "Taking your asthma medication regularly is a must for any day-to-day activity, but if you or your child is planning on going to a bonfire night event, it’s even more important to have the reliever inhaler on you or easily accessible."
He shared three other practical ways asthma sufferers can enjoy bonfire night celebrations safely. First, choosing the viewing position: "Most of us want a front row seat to bonfire night firework displays, but taking a step back and standing upwind from the display, where possible, can make a difference. This will help make sure the wind blows the smoke away from your face, meaning you're less likely to breathe it in and trigger your asthma."
Second, dressing for the occasion: "If you’re heading to an outdoor display or event, make sure you wrap up warm. As temperatures drop, this can trigger, and worsen, asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. This is because cold air irritates and narrows your airways. Wearing a scarf or snood loosely over your nose and mouth can also help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in."
Third, bringing the asthma action plan: "Familiarlise yourself with your child’s action plan and walk through it simply with your child so they can understand the symptoms to look out for, and when they should ask for your help. If you or your child has an asthma action plan, take this with you, either printed out or on your phone. This will help others recognise what’s happening and help you get the right medical help if your asthma is triggered."
Murphy concluded: "If you know that smoke from fireworks or bonfires has triggered you or your child’s asthma in the past, consider watching the display from indoors instead. This way, you can enjoy the celebrations while reducing your exposure to smoke and the risk of triggering your symptoms."
