Bonfires and fireworks could cause potentially fatal asthma attacks, a charity has warned.

Asthma UK is issuing the warning ahead of Bonfire Night on November 5, when smoke flumes from firework displays can linger in the air creating localised pollution.

The charity advises that the smoke combined with cold and wet weather could be a “deadly combination” to the 5.4 million people in the UK who suffer from it.

Temperatures are set to drop as low as 1C in the capital this weekend.

An attack happens when the airways start to tighten, which can leave people coughing, wheezing and gasping for breath.

Asthma UK’s in-house GP, Dr Andy Whittamore, says: “Lots of people love the excitement of bonfire night, but for some people with asthma it could be deadly.

“We don’t want people with asthma to miss out but we want them to be safe and aware of the increased risk this Bonfire Night when pollution will be higher than normal.

“We are urging people with asthma, or parents of children with asthma, to make sure they have their reliever inhaler with them, and want people’s friends and family to know what to do if their asthma symptoms suddenly get worse.”

Asthma UK has issued top tips for people with asthma on Bonfire Night:

• Take your preventer medicines as prescribed

• Carry your reliever inhaler (usually blue) with you at all times

• If you find that smoke is making you cough, stand well back and admire the fireworks from a distance

• Make sure your friends and family know what to do and when to get help if your asthma symptoms suddenly get worse

• If it’s cold, wrap a scarf over your nose and mouth; this will help to warm up the air before you breathe it in.

If anyone has any concerns about their asthma this Bonfire Night, they can call the Asthma UK Helpline on 0300 222 5800 or visit Asthma UK website.