UK weather warning as thunderstorms put millions at risk of deadly asthma attacks
BRITAIN was battered by intense thunder and lightning last night - putting millions at risk of killer asthma attacks, experts have warned.
Outbreaks of heavy rain and humid weather are set to continue across the country today after the UK baked in a record-breaking 38C heatwave yesterday.
The Met Office had warned that lightning and flash floods could cause chaos, while pollen levels rocket for those in the west today.
Asthma sufferers are being advised to stay inside and keep their windows closed amid fears "thunder fever" could trigger attacks.
Experts say thunderstorms can spark asthma symptoms because they smash pollen into tiny bits that go deeper into your lungs.
The potentially lethal combination is reported to have killed nine people in 2017.
Pollen phenomenon
Airborne allergens expert and creator of allergen barrier balms, Max Wiseberg, said: “Thunder storms cause great movements in the air, bringing pollen grains down which might have otherwise risen above head height out of harm’s way, and whisking up pollen and fungal spores that were at ground level.
"To further exacerbate things, farmers often work hard to get their fields harvested before a storm and this can further increase the level of allergens in the air.
"And if you live in a city the thunderstorm can lift all the pollen up from the country and carry it for miles before dumping it at head height in the city.
"For people whose asthma can be triggered by hay fever, this can be very serious.”
He added: "You may think that rain and thunderstorms will wash away pollen but it doesn’t always work like that.
"They can make things far worse even create a reaction which has become known as ‘thunder fever’ which killed 9 people in Melbourne, Australia in 2017.
You may think that rain and thunderstorms will wash away pollen but it doesn’t always work like that
Max Wiseberg
“No-one is completely certain why this phenomenon exists, but there are some strong theories which make sense when added together.
"According to a report in The European Respiratory review the humidity during a thunderstorm breaks pollen grains into smaller allergenic particles.
"So one pollen grain becomes two – thereby instantly raising the pollen count.
"But, even worse, these new pollen grains morph into a “super pollen” which is much more allergenic than normal pollen causing more dramatic reactions.
“Asthma sufferers should make sure they have their asthma medication close at all times when thunder is expected."
Sonia Munde, nurse manager at , previously told The Sun that warm and wet weather can put some sufferers at risk.
"Thunderstorms can have a devastating impact on people with asthma and trigger an asthma attack which could be fatal," she said.
"Humid, stormy conditions break the pollen into much smaller particles, which are then inhaled more deeply into the lungs and can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks."
Hay fever and asthma are closely linked, with around 80 per cent of people with asthma finding their symptoms are made worse when pollen counts are high.
Advice for asthma sufferers when a thunderstorm hits
- Stay indoors if you can, before, during and after the storm, and keep the windows closed.
- Change your clothes and have a shower when you’ve been outside to wash off any pollen.
- Avoid any of your other asthma triggers, such as exercise, alcohol or stress.
- Have your reliever inhaler close by and ready to use if you need it.
- If you have hay fever, take your usual hay fever treatments such as a nasal spray and/or antihistamines. If you’re not sure, speak to your pharmacist or GP about the best hay fever treatment for you.
- Don’t smoke or let other people smoke around you because it can make asthma symptoms worse.
- Make sure you know the signs that your asthma is getting worse and what you need to do if it is.
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Sonia added: "Pollen is a top trigger for asthma attacks at this time of the year, affecting an estimated 3.3million people with asthma in the UK.
"People with asthma who also have a pollen allergy not only experience classic hay fever symptoms such as itchy eyes and a running nose, but are also at an increased risk of a life-threatening asthma attack."
Experts advise those with asthma should avoid other triggers like exercise, alcohol or stress and keep a reliever inhaler to hand.
Also, don't smoke or let other people smoke around you as that can worsen symptoms.
It's important to take hay fever treatments such as a nasal spray and antihistamines if you know pollen can set you off too.
Record-breaking heatwave
It came after the mercury hit a scorching 38.1C (100.58F) in Cambridge on Thursday.
This was only the second time temperatures over 100F have been recorded in the UK.
The current all-time UK record of 38.5C (101.3F), which was set in 2003, was narrowly missed.
Temperatures will drop slightly today - but it will still feel warm and humid at 26C in London and 31C in Norwich.
Showers are also expected to sweep across south Wales and southern England before spreading towards the northeast.
MORE ON ASTHMA
Outbreaks of heavy rain will continue across northern, eastern and some central parts overnight, where it will remain humid.
There will also be "heavy, thundery rain" on both Saturday and Sunday - with flooding and lightning expected to cause train and bus cancellations.
The Met Office has issued another yellow 'severe' weather warning for rain on Saturday and Sunday.
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