Scarves appeal to asthma sufferers

Asthmatics are being encouraged to wear scarves over their mouths and noses this winter as experts say breathing in cold air increases their risk of an attack.

Around four million people – three-quarters of those with asthma in the United Kingdom – say that breathing in cold winter air exacerbates their symptoms, which increases the risk of an attack.

One asthma attack occurs every ten seconds in the UK where 5.4 million people are receiving treatment for the condition – including 1.1 million children.

Three people die every day following an asthma attack.

Asthma UK is encouraging people who live with the respiratory condition to wear scarves over their face and nose as it can warm the air before they breathe it in.

Going outdoors on a winter day could be life-threatening for people living with asthma, Asthma UK clinical lead and practising GP Dr Andy Whittamore said.

“Living in the UK means cold weather is impossible to avoid over winter but if people have asthma, wrapping a scarf around their nose and mouth can warm up the air before they breathe it in, reducing their risk of having an asthma attack,” Dr Whittamore added.