Thunderstorm alert!
12 June 2006

With thunderstorms predicted to be on their way to many parts of the country, Asthma UK has advised people with asthma to keep their asthma medicines with them.

At the end of June 2005, a six-fold rise in the number of emergency admissions for asthma was reported over one stormy weekend.

‘People with asthma or a tendency to asthma need to make sure that they keep their medicines with them at all times over the next 24 hours. This is because the predicted thunderstorms are occurring at a time when the pollen levels have been high and these conditions have been associated with previous epidemics of asthma attacks,’ warned Professor Martyn Partridge, Asthma UK’s Chief Medical Adviser.

It is believed that during thunderstorms, downdraughts of cold air sweep up high concentrations of pollen and spores. These allergenic particles are thrust into the air, where the moisture breaks them up into pieces that can penetrate deep into the lungs. This can induce attacks even in those who have only previously had mild asthma.

Erica Evans, Asthma UK’s Asthma Care Development Manager added: ‘Having a personal asthma action plan can help, by showing you how to increase your asthma medicines safely as soon as possible if you notice your symptoms getting worse. If you do not already have a plan you can get one from your doctor or asthma nurse.’

‘We can’t control the weather but by taking the right steps early enough we can certainly help control asthma. If you need help formulating a plan or have any other question about your asthma contact your doctor or asthma nurse or call the Asthma UK Adviceline.’