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Asthma in the Office: How to Work Around the Condition

  • Sep 27, 2018
  • 1 min read



If you have asthma, it goes without saying that work can be a challenge. Often triggered by stress and anxiety, your symptoms can make a guest appearance when you really, really don’t need them to.


According to Asthma UK, 43% of people suffering with the respiratory condition say that their symptoms can cause them problems in the workplace. Here, we discuss three ways you can make your working day as symptom-free as possible. As for the stress? Well, that’s down to you.


Talk to colleagues

It’s important to inform the people you’re working with about your asthma. This ensures that they’ll know how to react if and when you have an asthma attack at work. So, be sure to inform your colleagues, managers and any first-aiders based at your workplace.


Remove triggers

If you know that certain triggers set your asthma off, discuss your requirements with your manager or HR personnel – they’ll make adjustments to ensure you’re comfortable. For instance, if you’re sensitive to dust, you’ll be given a well aired work space that gathers little dust.


Be prepared

Always have an inhaler with you at work, whether that means keeping one stashed in your desk drawer or in the pocket of your hi-vis jacket. You’ll be grateful if an attack strikes unexpectedly.


Image courtesy of Alvin Mahmudov, Unsplash



Can Exposure to Pollution During Pregnancy Can Cause Asthma?

  • Sep 27, 2018
  • 1 min read



A study has concluded that exposure to environmental pollution while pregnant can have a serious impact on unborn babies - for up to three generations.


Researchers used rodents to conduct the investigation, which saw pregnant mice exposed to diesel exhaust particles and urban air particle concentrate. Having compared the lungs of the first, second and third generations of baby mice with other offspring that were not exposed to the particles, the researchers were able to determine an abnormality in the mice born to the mothers exposed to the pollutants.


The team discovered that the pollution caused the babies’ DNA to alter by way of abnormal changes in the immune cells known as dendritic cells – cells that play a major part when it comes to asthma developing in children and infants.


The increase of the dendritic cells was clearer in the first and second generation mice, implying that the risk lessens as generations become more and more removed.


Sources: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/07/170718113512.htm


Image courtesy of Mickael Tournier



What to Do if Your Child Has an Asthma Attack

  • Sep 27, 2018
  • 1 min read


An asthma attack can be frightening for anyone, and even more so if the person involved is a child. If you’re a parent, watching your child experience an onset of symptoms will naturally frighten you too - meaning it can be difficult to remain calm and take the correct course of action.


Below, we reveal the signs that suggest your child is experiencing an asthma attack, and explain what you should do in such a situation.


Signs your child is having an asthma attack

  • Their inhaler is not providing them with relief as it normally would

  • They are struggling to talk to you

  • Their breathing is faster and accompanied by wheezing and/or coughing

  • They are complaining of stomach discomfort

Actions to take

  • Encourage your child to sit up as straight as they can

  • Reassure them as you try to calm them down

  • Assist them by ensuring they take their reliever inhaler every 30-60 seconds, but make sure they don’t use it more than 10 times

If your child’s symptoms continue, we advise you to call an ambulance. If for any reason your child does not have an inhaler, call the emergency services immediately.


Source: https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/child/asthma-attacks/

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