Ballina Information Blog

The recent sudden change in North Coast weather is creating health problems for some people with airway hypersenstivity conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), prompting a warning from the North Coast Area Health Service for them to keep away from blustery conditions.

“Triggers such as cooler weather and winds can result in a swelling of the lining of the interconnecting airways, a tightening of the surrounding muscles and an increased production of mucous,” explained NCAHS Respiratory Co-ordinator Cecily Barrack.

“This drop in air temperature leads to a micro-change in the chemical composition of the film of moisture on the airway walls and can produce significant breathing problems, including a need for emergency medical treatment.

“The cold weather also marks the season when more airborne viruses enter our airways, producing the common cold symptoms. The response of the body to attack the virus also affects the airway lining and in

hyper-responsive people this increases airway constriction.”

Ms Barrack advised people with bronchial conditions to be especially mindful of any sudden increase in symptoms and to follow their respiratory management action plan. If symptoms continue they should consult their GP promptly or see the Respiratory Nurse at their Community Health Centre or Hospital.

Ms Barrack also issued a reminder for everyone aged 60 years and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal people) and those with existing chronic illness to have a flu vaccination as soon as possible. These are available at GP clinics.

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 29th, 2007 at 5:36 pm and is filed under Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.