Summer holidays and your asthma

Advice + Support
Written By Dr Andy Whittamore

In our in-house GP Dr Andy’s latest blog, he shares tips on keeping up doing the things that keep you well, even when you’re not in your normal routine.

I am sitting here writing this blog with the sun shining outside; but as with every British summer, I’m expecting a little bit of everything!

The summer, and holiday times in general, are when many people get out of their normal routines. Some people are doing new activities or not doing their normal activities. Some are spending more time in places where there are different things that could trigger their asthma.

Here are a few key things to remember:

Check your medicine supplies

I try to urge my patients to find ways of keeping up good habits, even when everything else is out of routine. Keep your reliever inhaler (usually blue) with you at all times and make sure you have enough supplies with you if you are going away.

Keep your asthma action plan with you

If you have an asthma action plan, keep it handy. This could be a paper copy, a photo or a downloaded PDF on your mobile phone, so that you know what to do if your symptoms are triggered. If you don’t have one, speak to your GP or asthma nurse, or download an action plan from Asthma + Lung UK’s website.

Check your inhaler technique

If you haven’t checked your inhaler technique for a while, have a watch of Asthma + Lung UK’s inhaler videos. Improving your inhaler technique will help you get the best out of your medicines and reduce the chance of side effects. You can also ask your pharmacist, GP or nurse to check your inhaler technique.

Protect yourself in hot weather

Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, wear loose clothing to keep yourself cool and try to avoid being in the sun for long periods of time. There are lots of potential asthma triggers around during summer, such as pollen, hot weather and thunderstorms, so make sure you know what to do if these trigger your asthma.

I hope that you make the most of any nice weather and take some time to relax, especially if you have got a holiday planned or time off work and school. Keep doing the things that keep you well – I hope this allows you to enjoy the summer and spend some quality time with family and friends.

 
 

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Andy is an in-house GP at Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation. He’s a practicing GP in Portsmouth with over 15 years experience, and a wealth of knowledge about respiratory care.

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