HEALTH chiefs are warning asthma sufferers that their symptoms may be triggered by the cold weather.

Asthma UK said that in a recent survey 75 per cent of people said that cold air can trigger asthma symptoms.

Damp weather and a sudden change in temperature can also trigger symptoms says the charity.

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Dr John Randall, lead for long term conditions at NHS Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "People with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems may have worse symptoms during a cold spell and for several days after temperatures return to normal.

"Cold air is a major trigger for those suffering with asthma although for those who manage their condition well, they should be able to cope reasonably well."

To manage asthma symptoms during cold weather people should make sure they have enough medication and keep their inhaler with them at all times.

People should wear a scarf over the nose and mouth when going out to stop cold air getting into the lungs and tightening the airways.

People should make sure they attend their regular asthma review or ask their GP for a medication review if they find they are having to increase their inhaler use.

And they should get their flu vaccinations, he added.

Regular clinics are held in GP practices where the nurse will explain, amongst other things, how to use inhalers and other medicines correctly, and discuss breathing techniques to use when recovering from a bout of breathlessness.

Asthma sufferers who cannot get their breathing under control should call 111 or 999 in an emergency.

Andrew Proctor, Director of Advice and Support at Asthma UK, advised people to take extra care over the next few days.

He added: “Cold air can have a severe impact on people with asthma. As many as three quarters of people with asthma tell us it can trigger symptoms, making sensitive airways tighten up quickly and putting people at risk of a potentially life threatening asthma attack."

People can get advice from the Asthma UK Helpline on 0300 22 5800 or visit www.asthma.org.uk.