Parkinson’s NSW is compiling information, tools and resources to assist people living with Parkinson’s who may have been directly or indirectly affected by the recent bush fires.

Visit this page of the Parkinson’s NSW web site for more information:

https://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/bushfire-assistance-reference/

Information on this page will be regularly updated.

Protect yourself

Some people with Parkinson’s experience shortness of breath as one of their symptoms. There is no clear cause for respiratory dysfunction in Parkinson’s, its frequency or the effect that medications have on respiration.

However, exposure to smoke and poor air quality will obviously exacerbate shortness of breath so avoid vigorous activity and remain indoors – preferably in air conditioning – when possible.

Wear a mask if you do need to venture outdoors. P2 or N95 masks are required to protect you from smoke. They are available from pharmacies.

Exposure to heat is another hazard for people living with Parkinson’s.

Up to 64 percent of Parkinson’s patients report thermodysregulation. This includes symptoms of heat and cold intolerance as well as excessive sweating.

People living with Parkinson’s have problems with their autonomic nervous system, which controls sweating. While perspiration helps regulate the body’s temperature, too much or too little perspiration can result in overheating.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you need to get out of the heat:

• Excessive sweating
• Not sweating enough in the heat
• Exhaustion and fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness in response to heat
• Changes in mood when too hot