Thunderstorms predicted this weekend could put those with asthma at risk of potentially life-threatening asthma attacks or worsening of symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing and coughing, Asthma + Lung UK has warned.
This follows reports that the recent storms across parts of England led to a surge in the number of people going to hospital with lung symptoms. Those who were particularly affected were in the 15 to 44-year-old age bracket, and those in the North West, West Midlands and South West of England.
Asthma + Lung UK says this is likely to be due to a combination of high pollen levels, air pollution, strong winds and heavy rain during the warmer weather, which all combine to create a reaction dubbed ‘thunderstorm asthma’.
Thunderstorm asthma occurs when 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. Combined with pollen and air pollution too, this creates a triple threat situation for those with asthma.
The Met Office has issued a Yellow Weather Warning of further storms expected to hit this Sunday across most of England and some parts of Wales, and pollen levels will also remain ‘very high’ or ‘high’ over the weekend.3 Although air pollution levels will stay at ‘moderate’ levels, according to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA),4 pollution particles linger for longer in the air during hotter weather and temperatures are expected to remain warm in much of the UK.
Emma Rubach, Head of Health Advice at Asthma + Lung UK, said:
“More than five million people in the UK have asthma and changes in weather, pollen, air pollution and thunderstorms are all triggers for the condition. This data from the UKHSA shows that thunderstorms coincided with an unseasonal spike in people ending up in hospital with their asthma.
“People with asthma who have hay fever can experience much more severe symptoms during thunderstorms. This is because thunder breaks pollen into smaller particles, which can then be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing wheezing, coughing, a tight chest and shortness of breath. If there is also higher pollution in the atmosphere – which tends to be the case when the weather is warm – this is an added threat.
“The good news is there are steps people can take to reduce the impact of thunderstorm asthma. Firstly, they should take their preventer inhaler as prescribed, and should also make sure they are taking antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays, if needed, 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.”
Last Sunday (June 11) when thunderstorms struck, the UKHSA reported an increase in the number of people attending hospital emergency departments with symptoms indicative of asthma, such as breathlessness - more than double the expected number of attendances for this time of year, and more than three times the number for 15-44-year-olds compared to the previous week.
There was also a rise in the number of ambulance calls outs and an increase in the number of calls or web enquiries made to the NHS 111 helpline service.5
The rise was most notable among the five to 14, and 15 to 44 age groups.
The Met Office confirmed today that “heavy rain and thunderstorms on Sunday will bring a chance of disruption to parts of England and Wales”.
For more information on how those with asthma can be affected by weather changes, go to www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/pollen.
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Notes to Editors
1. Emergency Department Syndromic Surveillance System Bulletin (England) 2023 Week 23: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uplo…
2. Met Office warning issued ahead of thundery shift:
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/press-office/news/weather-and-cli…
3. Met Office Pollen forecast:
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advic…
4. Met Office pollution forecast:
https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/forecasting/?day=3#forecast_map
5. Remote Health Advice Syndromic Surveillance System Bulletin (England) 2023 Week 23:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uplo…;