THUNDERSTORMS due to hit the UK today could prove a nightmare for millions of Brits with asthma.
Experts are warning that storms and rising pollen levels could trigger the potentially lethal phemomenon known as “thunder fever”.
Also known as a ‘pollen bomb’, the effect has in the past seen the number of people hospitalised with severe asthma attacks soar.
The connection between thunderstorms and a rapid rise in severe allergy responses is by now well-established.
Scientists believe that during a thunderstorm, grains of pollen – the fine powder released by plants – absorb moisture and split into smaller fragments.
While larger grains of pollen can be filtered out by hairs in the nose, the smaller fragments are able to pass through to the lungs – triggering the attack.
An estimated 13 million people in the UK suffer from hayfever – an allergy to pollen.
The Met Office has released an amber thunderstorm warning for southeast England and East Anglia from Friday evening into Saturday morning.
According to their forecasts, the storms are set to send the pollen count soaring, with levels expected to be “high” across all of England – and as far north as central Scotland.
However, they are due to spike to “very high” in Yorkshire & Humber, the East and West Midlands, London, and East and Southeast England.
The pollen count is due to stay “high” over the weekend in central and southern England, before once again spiking in the south of England on Monday and Tuesday.
While “thunder fever” may sound like a myth, its consequences are all too real for allergy sufferers.
An outbreak in London in June 1994 saw 640 patients overwhelm A&E departments across the country with asthma or other breathing problems – with more than 100 admitted and five in intensive care.
In 2016 Melbourne experienceed an even more destructive case of thunder fever that saw thousands seeking emergency attention and led to the deaths of 10 people.
Emma Rubach, Head of Health Advice at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Thunderstorms can be risky for people with asthma if pollen and air pollution are triggers for their condition.
“This is because high winds draw higher levels of pollen and pollution particles into the atmosphere.
“Then, when the pollen comes into contact with water from rain, it breaks down into even smaller particles that, when breathed in, can get deeper into the airways and trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and chest tightness, leading to a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.
“The good news is there are steps people can take to reduce the impact of thunderstorms.
“Firstly, they should take their preventer inhaler as prescribed and should also make sure they are taking antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays, if needed, if pollen is a trigger for them, to help control their pollen allergy.
“They should also keep their reliever inhaler with them in case of emergencies, as this relaxes the muscles in the airways and helps to relieve sudden asthma symptoms.
“We’d also advise staying indoors during thunderstorms if possible, and on hot, stormy days keeping inhaler medications in cool, dry areas at home and in a dry cool bag when outdoors as they may not work as well when exposed to hot temperatures or damp environments.”
