Never mind Christmas beer... what about Christmas asthma?

[15 November 2007 - 14h12]

It seems that asthmatics and those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk of being hospitalised during the festive season. This is the finding of a Canadian study which points the finger firmly at family gatherings which provide an ideal opportunity for viruses to circulate and be transmitted.

As we all know, the winter months bring with them colds and flu. And, as we also know, these quite commonplace infections can cause further deterioration in the pulmonary function of those affected by respiratory disorders … with the resulting risk of decompensation and hospitalisation.

But according to Professor Neil W. Johnston of the Firestone Institute in Canada, the risk is greater still around Christmas time. “Among patients treated for respiratory conditions, use of the emergency services reaches an unusual peak during the Christmas holidays”, he points out. His assertion relies on an in-depth study of annual hospitalisation curves for asthma and COPD in England, Scotland, New Zealand and Sweden.

“Among adults and particularly among the elderly, the risk of hospitalisation due to COPD increases from 16% to 51% during the Christmas holiday. And among asthmatics it rises from 18% to 62%”, the author states. It is difficult to avoid close contact at family gatherings but you can still try to be careful. Make sure your prescriptions are up to date and always keep your treatment close at hand in case of an attack.

Source : Annual Congress of the European Respiratory Society, Stockholm, September 2007

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