National News:- Asthma sufferers urged to be prepared

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Asthmatic New Zealanders concerned about the impact of smoke coming from the Australian fires are being told to check their inhalers and see their GP.
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ has seen a spike in inquiries around the safety of smoke and what it means for breathing as the Australian fires continue to bring plumes of smoke to this country.

Chief executive Letitia Harding said she hasn’t had any reports of people suffering from the smoke but said it’s an opportunity to top up inhalers and be prepared. “To check that their inhalers are full and not empty and also they’re not expired.

“And just to be really aware of any tightness in the chest or shortness of breath. Any smokier conditions will exacerbate symptoms,” Harding said.

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An Auckland bus with its lights on during the day as an orange haze from Australia's bushfires hangs over the city.
An Auckland bus with its lights on during the day as an orange haze from Australia’s bushfires hangs over the city. Photo: RNZ / Katie Doyle
Source RNZ

Featured image: A screenshot of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour taken from a central web camera at around 3pm this afternoon. Photo: Screenshot/ MetService

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