Is Keswick good for Asthma?

[AndyTheBear]

My asthma has worsened since living in Oxfordshire and I’m considering a house move. Possibly to the Lake District. Anyone know jig the area is good for asthmatics?

[Mandevilla]

It really depends on your own particular form of asthma - an area that is good for one person may not be for another (for example, I'm always much better by the sea, but I know other people who are much worse!)

The only way of knowing what will work for you is to try it - if you haven't visited at all, then I would suggest starting off with a holiday. Then maybe look at a short-term rent in the area before committing to a permanent move.

[peege]

Hi, I agree with Mandeville, you may be jumping from fry pan to fire without trying first, perhaps in all seasons. I moved from very green leafy Wimbledon to Gloucestershire 10 years ago with a 6 month break in South of France for winter (it turned out to be one of the wettest on record) and in time my asthma did improve ie slightly fewer chest infections. My Wimbledon surgery was brilliant & I was under consultant care of a University hospital, not so in my Gloucestershire town. I'm trying to move across country to Cambridgeshire which I've tried & tested several times (with Addenbrookes being the nearest hospital). I know of someone who moved to Scampton for sea air however, he said there's much pollution with the ships & several major roads. I think you can check areas for pollution and humidity levels on DEFRA.

Good luck with you decision. P

[Patk1]

I can't comment on Keswick itself,but the north West of England,including lake district,is a pretty wet area.i always point to our beautiful green countryside - which gets well watered x

[Muldrew]

hi Andythebear

I agree depending on type of asthma

But I moved from Oxfordshire to Worcestershire AND away from big roads and things did improve

For me I think pollution has always been a big issue

So personally I would look at a less polluted area which the Lake District surely is

But for some people it’s damp etc

Very difficult….

Good luck!

[flowerjunky]

Do you know what your triggers are ? If for example it is mainly traffic pollution you may find your asthma better if you live further away from roads. However if you are affected by tree pollen then a wooded area could make your symptoms worse.

Lots of visits at different times of year before a permanent move might help to work out if you’re better there. However remember that a holiday with no work stress can make you feel better anyway.

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to flowerjunky]

Really good point about it being a holiday with no work stress as potential triggers.

The change of your way of life when you move could also be a factor to try and gauge but I guess a little bit will be unknown, ie medical care, local community life etc.

[guineapignot]

good morning

Like most Asthma sufferers understanding what triggers and what helps our recovery / defences is key. The beautiful highlands of Scotland scenery I adore however there were many triggers that affected me and exacerbated symptoms . It took time to understand all and over many visits to the coast realised the salty sea air suited me best . If you can try something out over a few visits . You should know what is and is not best for you before making any permanent decisions

[Helloeveryone_]

Hi I agree with as many visits at different times of the year as you can do, then maybe also weighing in other factors that may affect you.

[Hikingfan]

You seem to have good advice here. Depends on your triggers. If it's lifestyle you may just bring the triggers with you. If it's some kind of pollution, the Lakes may be better. If it's pollen it might be worse depending on the type and location in the Lakes. I live in the north west and hike a lot in the Lakes and find walking a big help. But my asthma seems to be linked mostly to chronic acid reflux so losing some weight and taking omeprazole was a key benefit and then just using my precautionary background inhalers has done the business for me. My readings when I go for a breathing test have always been poor but in my actual life my asthma doesn't seem to impact much now.

[Jasper2447]

Andy.

I live in the Lake District and I probably suffer more asthma than I did in Rochdale ! It is very rural with a very diverse flora so if your triggers are grass, tree or weed pollen like mine, then you’ll find them here.

If it’s car exhaust or industrial pollution however, we don’t get much of that (except along the main roads inn the high season).

Try renting a caravan or similar for a short break and see

Good luck

John

[Butterfly2honey]

I have lived in Bury Lancashire for most of my life, apart from a 10 gap where I lived in Edinburgh.

My parents were worried about the cold up there making my asthma worse. However for my with living in Edinburgh my asthma was hardly a problem. The type of cold up there is a crisp cold not a wet and damp cold that we get in Bury. Also being near the sea helped in the summer too.

Now I’m back in Bury my asthma is in and out of control, I put it down to the cold damp winters and in the summer I’m surrounded by more open farmer’s fields which really aggravates my asthma. So for me ideally id rather live nearer to the sea air, but it all depends on what activates your asthma.

Before you consider moving you really need to know what the weather is like, does your asthma get worse with pollen from trees, grass, rag weed, trees etc. Would you be better on the west or the east of the country?

Also another thing to take in to consideration how are you with constantly living in a place that is quite hilly or are you better where its flatter.

[hoven]

I moved from Dorset to Oxfordshire and immediately regretted it. Much more cold and damp and in fact Gave me asthma, whereas I didn't have it before.Eventually found out had oesinophilic asthma which has made my life extremely stressful.

[Elspe]

Not Keswick, but my family and I moved to the North-East Coast two decades ago. I think if we had stayed there I wouldn't be here now. We lived in a heavily industrialised town and close to several major roads. Here the air is great, until you get to tourist season and the traffic starts... You have to find what suits you best, as suggested, visit the place you are thinking of, not just once but several times and find out how it varies with the seasons. Good luck!