The UK is bracing for a sustained period of cold weather this weekend and extending into the following week, with the Met Office issuing new warnings for snow and ice following the impact of Storm Goretti.

In response to the chilly conditions, British residents are being encouraged to use face masks as a preventative measure against illnesses. A TikTok user, who suffers from chronic asthma, has used the platform to emphasize the need for chest protection during such cold spells.

According to Asthma + Lung UK, an estimated 7.2 million people in the UK are living with asthma, accounting for about 8% of the population. The charity explains that individuals with asthma may experience symptoms like wheezing, breathlessness, coughing, or a tight chest. “Occasionally, these symptoms can escalate rapidly, leading to an asthma attack,” the organization notes on its website.

To prevent asthma attacks and flare-ups, and to reduce the need for medical visits, it is essential for those affected to take necessary precautions. “Ensure you are dressed warmly, covering your chest, and protecting your airways,” advised the TikTok user known as TheAsthmaInfluencer in a recent video.

She further suggested conducting a peak flow test each morning to monitor for any signs of decline that could indicate an impending severe attack. “Keep an eye on it, and if you notice a drop, seek medical attention,” she recommended.

TheAsthmaInfluencer also stressed the importance of having a spacer device readily available at home. “If you feel your chest worsening, taking ten puffs with a spacer can provide immediate relief and deliver more medication to your lungs compared to using an inhaler alone,” she explained. “This is the recommended action before heading to the hospital.”

Meanwhile, for those who possess a nebuliser or portable nebuliser at home along with the required medication, TheAsthmaInfluencer urged sufferers to administer “as much respites” as possible. She concluded: “My final tip is always have a hot drink – keep the airways warm, keep yourself warm and give yourself as much of a fighting chance as you can.”

Responding to the advice, one fellow sufferer shared: “Mine [chest] has been tight since the snow came I’m running on empty, no emergency and my skin looks pale/grey.” TheAsthmaInfluencer replied: “Steaming a room – I just close the bathroom door and run the hot tap till it’s super steamy – it’s can help a bit too.”

Asthma + Lung UK lists several ways you can help to stay safe outdoors:

Protect your airways from cold air by making sure the air you’re breathing in is warmed up. You can do this by:

• Breathing in through your nose rather than your mouth
• Loosely wrapping a scarf around your nose and mouth when outside, or
• Wearing a mask, if you feel comfortable to do so.

It’s a good idea to:

• Keep your reliever inhaler with you at all times.
• Check the weather before you go out. If you think it might be too cold or windy for you, shorten your time outside or consider staying at home.
• Ask someone to go with you or check in on you if you’re worried about going out in cold weather.
• Keep your head, hands and feet warm by wearing a hat, gloves, or an extra pair of socks.
• Wear layers of thinner clothing, because a lot of thin layers can keep you warmer than one thick layer. Thermal underwear can be helpful too.