Fireworks and asthma

[watervole]

Last year, I had a really bad asthma attack at a New Year's party, which I tentatively attributed to the fireworks going off all around.

This year, I stayed indoors, took an extra dose of asthma medication, and still ended up with an asthma attack.  It wasn't as bad as last year's, probably because I took precautionary medication before the fireworks started, but I'm still pretty short of breath this morning.

I never used to have any problem with fireworks - I can't help wondering if some new chemical has been added to them in recent years.

Does anyone else get asthma from firework displays?

Comments

[linda-joyce.livejournal.com]

There certainly seems to be a difference in rockets, still very pretty and taking off with a whoosh, then they explode like a mortar bomb so something else has been added to their composition. Even the fountain type ones seem to end with a bang these days.

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

My sensitivity to cigarette smoke has increased markedly over twenty years. I have been diagnosed with purely 'extrinsic' asthma.

[alex-holden.livejournal.com]

Were you affected on bonfire night?

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Not that I remember, but we don't get so many fireworks then as a rule.

Having done a quick flick on Google, I see it's quite a common problem. It doesn't seem to be any particular constituent of the fireworks, just the massive quantity of smoke, phospherous, sulphur dioxide, etc.

Thinking back a few years, I have vague memories of having to go to Poole hospital with a bad asthma attack. I know it was a bank holiday in winter as I remember how quiet and empty the asthma clinic was - I wonder now if that was also New Year's Day.

[dumain.com (from livejournal.com)]

On the subject of vague memories and fireworks I have vague memories of
Richard letting off some small scale fireworks in your back garden presumably at some Delenda meet on Guy Fawkes day years ago. I wonder if the vague memories are accurate or if I've just associated my way to something completely fictitious.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

I think you're right. I have a vague memory of that too!

Gosh, but firework displays were a lot smaller back then. (and small enough not to set off asthma in those days)

[melodyclark.livejournal.com]

It would make sense, especially in correlation with the weather. I'm sorry to hear you've got the asthma to deal with, along with the problematic shoulder. :(

It sounds like your fireworks displays were at least professional ones. Ours were created by idiots blasting them off in their backyards. My poor dog nearly died from fright last night. And, of course, the idiots around here have to opt for illegal fireworks -- those legal, regulated ones that merely burn your hand off isn't enough for them it seems. Oye.

I hope you feel better and soon.

[(Anonymous)]

Lovely icon, Ms Watervole!