02 August 2023 , 13:48
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A GP has urged the public to educate themselves about the risk of thunderstorm asthma, as stormy weather is set to batter much of the UK today (August 2).
Thunderstorm asthma refers to "a phenomenon that links asthma attacks and stormy weather", according to Dr Neel Patel, GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. "Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, breathlessness and a tight feeling in the chest," the expert explained.
"In the UK, around 5.4 million people have asthma. That's one in 12 adults and one in 11 children. Every 10 seconds somebody in the UK has a life-threatening asthma attack, also known as an asthma exacerbation. Although most are not fatal, sadly, asthma attacks kill three people in the UK each day."
With a Met office warning for thunderstorms in place in parts of the UK until 8pm, those with asthma have been urged to be especially vigilant today. Thunderstorm asthma can be experienced by anybody with asthma, but it's most common in people who also have hay fever, warned the doctor.
Explaining the risks, he said: "There are two reasons why thunderstorms can lead to more asthma attacks. Firstly, high winds draw more pollen into the air. Moisture in the air breaks these pollen granules into smaller particles which can get deeper into the airways in the lungs, triggering asthma symptoms.
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"Added to this, the air can feel very close and humid before a storm. For people with asthma, this can trigger a tight chest, cough and difficulty breathing." As such, it is important to be mindful of the symptoms, which are the same as those of asthma. They include wheezing, breathlessness, a tight chest and coughing.
"If you have both asthma and hay fever, monitor the weather forecast and be aware of when a thunderstorm is expected," added Dr Patel, before he shared the following advice.
Prepare an asthma action plan
"An asthma action plan details which medicines you can take to prevent attacks, what to do if your symptoms are getting worse and the emergency action to take in the event of an asthma attack.
"Ensure people you spend a lot of time with are familiar with your action plan and keeping a copy on your person (even if only on your phone) is always a good idea - but especially when storms are forecast," the GP advised.
Keep your inhaler handy
"If you have asthma, it's a good idea to always have your reliever asthma inhaler close at hand. But it's even more important when thunderstorms are forecast," he added.
Stay indoors
"Of course, the pollen concentration will be greatest in the air outside. Stay indoors with the windows closed as much as possible before, during and after the storm," said the expert.
Wear a mask outside
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"If you have to go outdoors, wearing a mask could help. Although not much research has been done into the effectiveness of wearing a mask, it's thought this can help filter out some of the pollen particles from the air you inhaler."
Avoid other triggers
"Before, during and after a storm, avoid anything that you know worsens your symptoms. This may include things like exercise and alcohol," the pro explained.
Take your usual medicine
"You should continue taking your usual medication, even if you don't yet feel symptoms worsening. Common asthma treatments include preventer inhalers, reliever inhalers and tablets."
However, it may be the case you experience asthma for the first time during a thunderstorm. "If you feel very tight in the chest and have difficulty breathing, you should seek urgent medical advice, even if you haven't been diagnosed with asthma previously," Dr Patel urged. More asthma advice is available from LloydsPharmacy and the NHS website.