Xmas trees asthma warning

CHRISTMAS trees, tinsel and hot, windy days are staples of a Victorian summer, but experts warn they could be the cause of an increase in asthma attacks this festive season.

With more than 2.5 million Australians suffering from asthma, the National Asthma Council has urged sufferers to educate themselves on the causes of the increased risk of symptoms over the summer holidays.

Asthma or allergies could be triggered by dusty holiday houses and Christmas decorations, or sudden changes in weather, the council said.

Asthma Council chief Siobhan Brophy said it was particularly important to be prepared when travelling over Christmas and January.

“It can be very easy to get out of your routine and to forget to take preventer medicines while on holiday, so it is important to monitor AusPollen’s forecast and to look out for warnings of bushfire smoke,” Ms Brophy said.

“An asthma or allergy flareup can seriously spoil festive run and relaxation, [but] you will have significantly fewer problems with asthma and allergies if you are well prepared.”

Other tips for staying symptom-free over the festive season include: STAYING inside on windy, hot or stormy days. THOROUGHLY cleaning Christmas trees, natural or fake, and dusting decorations. CHECKING product descriptions of scent-based gifts, such as candles, for ingredients that may trigger asthma or allergies. KEEPING a reliever inhaler handy, including in hand luggage on flights. IF visiting relatives, let them know in advance of any known asthma or allergy triggers, in order to allow them time to clean or prepare. THOROUGHLY clean holiday homes that may have gathered dust and mould over the year.