CAMAF Member Option Guides & Info

4 • look out for pollen forecasts on the television, in newspapers or on the internet - if high counts are forecast in your region, try to reduce the time you spend outside • To help avoid pollen as a trigger for children's asthma do not stop your child from playing outside, but be aware that a high pollen count could cause problems Smoking is dangerous for everyone, but particularly for people with asthma. It can irritate the lungs and bring on asthma symptoms. • if you smoke (or breathe in other people's smoke) you increase the risk of an asthma attack and may permanently damage your airways. you are putting children at risk of asthma if you smoke around them or during pregnancy ColdS and ViRal infeCTionS are very common triggers of asthma. They are also almost impossible to avoid. • Talk to your doctor about flu or pneumococcal vaccination A sudden Change in TempeRaTuRe, cold air, windy days, poor air quality and hot, humid days are all known triggers for asthma. • Take your usual dose of reliever inhaler before going out on cold, dry days. • if it is cold and windy, wearing a scarf over your face will help to warm up the air before you breathe it in. • Try to avoid going out in the middle of the day on hot days. Most people with asthma do not have to follow a special diet. In some cases, certain foods including cow's milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, yeast products, nuts, and some food colourings and preservatives, can make symptoms worse. If you think you have a food alleRgy, contact your doctor for further advice some mediCineS that are used to treat a range of conditions can lead to asthma attacks in a small number of people. These medicines include aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets such as brufen and Voltaren. Other medicines that can sometimes lead to asthma attacks include beta-blockers, used to treat heart disease and glaucoma. • inform your doctor if you experience asthma symptoms with any of the medicines taken • your doctor then will review your condition and, if necessary may prescribe alternative appropriate medicines

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