How Christmas can be deadly: Asthma charity warns pigs in blankets, festive stress and even real trees can trigger life-threatening attacks for millions

  • Sulphites found in processed meats can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks
  • Figures show there are around 5.4million people with the condition in the UK 
  • Asthma affects the small tubes or airways that carry air in and out of the lungs 

By STEPHEN MATTHEWS, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Published: | Updated:

They may be the favourite bit of your Christmas dinner.

But pigs in blankets, however harmless they appear to be, pose a serious threat to asthma sufferers, a charity has warned.

Asthma UK today revealed sulphites found in processed meats can trigger potentially life-threatening asthma attacks.

They may be the favourite bit of your Christmas dinner. But pigs in blankets, however harmless they appear to be, pose a serious threat to asthma sufferers, a charity has warned

They may be the favourite bit of your Christmas dinner. But pigs in blankets, however harmless they appear to be, pose a serious threat to asthma sufferers, a charity has warned

The charity also warned how Christmas trees, mulled wine and yuletide stress can also play havoc for millions of sufferers.

Figures show there are around 5.4million people who have the common condition in the UK.

Asthma affects the small tubes or airways that carry air in and out of the lungs, with attacks triggered by so-called allergens.

Allergens are substances that are harmless to the majority of people, but can cause an immune system reaction in those with the illness.

This response leads to the lining of the lungs becoming inflamed and swollen, so the airways narrow, making it harder for air to pass through.

Dr Andy Whittamore, of Asthma UK, said: 'Don't let Christmas party essentials like mulled wine and Christmas trees trigger an asthma attack and ruin your festive fun.

As well as processed meat, sulphites - a group of preservatives - can also be found in red wine, used for the festive mulled tipple

As well as processed meat, sulphites - a group of preservatives - can also be found in red wine, used for the festive mulled tipple

And both real and fake Christmas trees can prove dangerous to asthma sufferers keen on getting into the festive spirit

And both real and fake Christmas trees can prove dangerous to asthma sufferers keen on getting into the festive spirit

While stress - which can be a huge concern over the festive period - is a known trigger for almost half of asthma sufferers

While stress - which can be a huge concern over the festive period - is a known trigger for almost half of asthma sufferers

'Following simple tips could be life-saving, like taking your preventer medicine every day and always having your reliever inhaler with you.'

He added that doing so could help you stay well so you can concentrate on enjoying yourself over the busy period.

Dr Whittamore added: 'It's important that you do know the danger signs of when your asthma is getting worse and you need to get urgent medical help.'

He said needing to use a reliever inhaler three or more times each week can be a sign they need medical help.

As well as processed meat, sulphites - a group of preservatives - can also be found in red wine, used for the festive mulled tipple.

While stress - which can be a huge concern over the festive period - is a known trigger for almost half of asthma sufferers.

And both real and fake Christmas trees can prove dangerous to asthma sufferers keen on getting into the festive spirit.

Asthma UK warned real trees release mould spores into the air, which are an irritant, while fake ones can gather dust while they are stored.

Other key triggers during the festive season include cigarette smoke, the smoke from roaring log fires or the scent from fragranced candles.

In a separate poll by the charity, they discovered one in 14 asthma sufferers have had an attack in the festive period of December.

If the proportion was applied to the true numbers of patients in the UK, an estimated 300,000 would have endured an attack over Christmas.

Asthma UK warned all attacks can be life-threatening, pointing to figures that show three people die from one each day across the home nations.

THE ASTHMA SUFFERER WHO WON'T EVER BUY A REAL CHRISTMAS TREE AGAIN

Vanessa Brett-Davey had an asthma attack after putting her Christmas tree up

Vanessa Brett-Davey had an asthma attack after putting her Christmas tree up

Vanessa Brett-Davey never once thought that putting up her Christmas tree could trigger an asthma attack.

But the 42-year-old was soon left struggling to breathe and needing her emergency inhaler after getting into the festive spirit.

Ms Brett-Davey, from Surrey, has never bought a real tree since her life-threatening attack four years ago.

The volunteer charity worker revealed how she felt 'miraculously better' after her husband binned their Christmas tree.

Ms Brett-Davey said she soon noticed she had a horrible dry cough and her breath was catching after hanging decorations on her tree.

She added: 'My symptoms got worse and I was struggling for breath and waking in the night needing my emergency inhaler.

'I dreaded going to bed because I knew I would be up all-night gasping for air.

'My asthma was out of control, I was having to use my emergency inhaler ten times a day.

'I thought it might have been the Christmas tree that triggered my symptoms, and once my husband got rid of it I felt miraculously better.'

Ms Brett-Davey continued: 'I haven't had a real Christmas tree since – I don't want to risk it.'

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