'Flu beats sex on asthma site

It's most likely down to the Arctic chill that has enveloped the UK, but searches for colds and influenza have overtaken sex as the number one most-viewed asthma trigger on the Asthma UK website.

Asthma UK, which provides advice and information for asthma sufferers, said that both could cause asthma attacks but for the first time in three years site visitors were viewing the 'flu page more than the sex page.

There are around 5.4 million asthma sufferers in the UK and the current cold snap could pose a difficult period, according to the advice website.

Vikki Knowles, an asthma nurse specialist at Asthma UK, said that there are several precautions people with asthma can take in cold weather.

"Wrap up well and wear a scarf over your nose and mouth ,this will help to warm up the air before you breathe it in," Knowles said.

"Take extra care when exercising in cold weather. Warm up for 10 to 15 minutes and take a couple of puffs of your reliever inhaler before you start," she added.

Further advice for people with asthma can be found on the website under the 'Asthma Triggers Tips' section.

Asthma UK also runs the Kick Asthma website, where more information about the condition can be found.

www.asthma.org.uk