THUNDERSTORMS this week could prove dangerous for millions, experts have warned.
“Thunder fever”, a rare phenomenon not seen in decades, can be dangerous and potentially fatal for some.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of thunderstorms with “torrential rain” for Wednesday covering the south of England and some parts of Wales.
Further rain and showers is forecast for the rest of the week.
Dr Sophie Farooque, an allergy specialist, explained that heavy rain mixed with pollen is highly dangerous.
People with asthma – eight million in the UK – are particularly at risk, as the combination could cause an asthma attack.
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But those with allergies may find themselves struck with sneezing, headaches and itchy eyes, too.
Usually pollen grains are too large to get into the lungs, although it can irritate the airways.
However, when the grains are exposed to moisture in the air, they break into smaller particles which can get into the lungs.
Dr Farooque, author of Understanding Allergy, wrote on Twitter: “Windy downdrafts then carry these fragments to ground level, resulting in a ‘pollen shower’ where people can inhale the minute fragments deep into their lungs, triggering an asthma attack.
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“Although grass pollen levels are falling, weed pollen levels are high, as are levels of Alternaria (found in soil and on plants, cereal grains, grass & rotten wood).
“Grass & weed pollens & Alternaria can all cause thunderstorm asthma.”
Dr Farooque said the last “major UK episode” of thunderstorm fever/asthma was in London in June of 1994.
Ten times the number of expected patients attended hospital over 30 hours, according to academic papers.
A history of hay fever was recorded in 403 of the 640 patients, and for 283 patients, it was their first known attack of asthma.
“Several departments ran out of equipment or drugs, called in additional doctors, or both,” according to a recount in the British Medical Journal.
Specsavers also warned that the plume of pollen could cause irritation for the eyes and ears.
Clinical Services Director, Giles Edmonds, said: “As well as sneezing and a blocked or runny nose, hay fever can also cause red, itchy or watery eyes, which can be particularly problematic for contact lens wearers.
“Those who wear contact lenses may notice the vision through their lenses can appear smeary and eyes can generally feel uncomfortable.
“While it can be tempting to rub your eyes to ease discomfort, it’s important to refrain.
“Contact lens-friendly eye drops can help to calm down any itchiness and wearing prescription glasses – particularly wraparound sunglasses – can prevent pollen from getting into your eyes.”
When it comes to the impact on our ears, Specsavers chief audiologist, Gordon Harrison, said “‘Allergic reactions can affect the lining of the middle ear via the Eustachian tube, which links the middle ear to the nose and throat.
“If this becomes blocked it can lead to a build-up in pressure, which can cause discomfort, popping in the ears, earache and impair your ability to hear.”
Dr Farooque warned people with a history of hay fever and asthma to stay indoors and avoid the storms.
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If you do go out, wear a mask, she said.
For those with allergies, try putting a balm like Vaseline around the nose to trap pollen or use over-the-counter allergy relief.
What to do in an asthma attack – and how to spot it
- Sit up straight – try to keep calm.
- Take one puff of your reliever inhaler (usually blue) every 30-60 seconds up to 10 puffs.
- If you feel worse at any point OR you don’t feel better after 10 puffs call 999 for an ambulance.
- If the ambulance has not arrived after 10 minutes and your symptoms are not improving, repeat step 2.
- If your symptoms are no better after repeating step 2, and the ambulance has still not arrived, contact 999 again immediately.
You’re having an asthma attack if:
- Your blue reliever isn't helping, or you need to use it more than every four hours
- You're wheezing a lot, have a very tight chest, or you're coughing a lot
- You're breathless and find it difficult to walk or talk
- Your breathing is getting faster and it feels like you can't get your breath in properly
Source: Asthma + Lung UK
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