Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
22 August 2013 10:08
Traffic exhaust fumes are thought to exacerbate asthma through airway inflammation
Traffic pollution and smoke from wood fire heaters has a significant effect on middle-aged people with asthma, according to a new study.
Researchers from the University of Melbourne claim symptoms worsen when sufferers are exposed to heavy traffic pollution or wood smoke, something which can become a problem at home and on holiday.
A group of 1,383 44-year-old adults were analysed in the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study. They were surveyed for their exposure to the frequency of heavy traffic vehicles and the levels of ambient wood smoke in winter.
Sufferers who were exposed to heavy traffic pollution saw their symptoms rise 80%, while those exposed to wood smoke from wood fires saw an 11% rise.
Participants reported from between two to three flare-ups - called intermittent asthma - to more than one flare-up per week - severe persistent asthma - over a 12-month period.
Dr John Burgess of the School of Population Health at the University of Melbourne believes the findings may have particular importance in developing countries around the world.
Wood smoke exposure is likely to be high in the rural communities of such countries due to the use of wood for heating and cooking, while the intensity of air pollution from vehicular traffic in larger cities is likely to be significant.
Asthma affects more than 300 million people worldwide and is among the most common chronic health problems. As with any pre-existing condition, people heading abroad are advised to look out for their best interests and arrange pre-existing medical travel insurance before they jet off, or in this case, asthma travel insurance.
"It is now recommended that adults who suffer asthma should not live on busy roads and that the use of old wood heaters should be upgraded to newer heaters, to ensure their health does not worsen," added Dr Burgess.
"Clean burning practices and the replacement of old polluting wood stoves by new ones are likely to minimise both indoor and outdoor wood smoke pollution and improve people's health."
The findings were published in the journal Respirology.
07 June 2019
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.
[more...]
03 June 2019
Want to get into surfing but not sure where to go? Here's where you should be heading to get the best beginner waves around the world.
Heading to the showpiece event of women's football in France this summer? Here's everything you need to know about England's venues for France 2019.
Get more out of your smartphone when you go travelling by downloading these travel apps and make your trip easier at the touch of a button.
24 May 2019
Heading to the football in Baku but don't know what else to do? Explore the hip and trendy crossroad of Europe and the Middle East and experience the fast-growing phenomenon, Azerbaijan.
Two of London's top football teams head east in search of silverware on May 29. If you're heading to Baku for the final, here's our guide on what you need to know before you go...
17 May 2019
There's more to Monaco than the Grand Prix. Discover the magic of the Mediterranean principality with our guide to what you must see in Monaco.
15 May 2019
Are you heading to one of Europe's best music festivals this summer? Then make sure you read our top ten tips before you leave...
What makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special? From a royal guestlist to a challenging circuit, we take a look at why the Monte Carlo Formula 1 race is so prestigious...
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.