MILLIONS of asthma sufferers could be at risk of deadly attacks as the so-called Saharan “heat bubble” heads towards the UK.
Brits have been warned “hell is coming” as temperatures could easily reach more than 30C in parts of the country by the weekend.
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It comes amid a pollen explosion with levels reaching “very high” in most places – causing misery for hay fever sufferers.
But those conditions can be a deadly mix for those with asthma as hot weather and high pollen levels can trigger potentially-fatal attacks.
Experts say breathing in hot air can cause the airways to narrow, leading to coughing and shortness of breath.
Hot weather can also increase the amount of pollutants and mould in the air, which can cause asthma symptoms to flare up.
Dr Andy Whittamore, Clinical Lead for Asthma UK and a practising GP, said: “This swampy humid air could spell misery for people with asthma and even trigger a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.
This swampy humid air could spell misery for people with asthma and even trigger a potentially life-threatening asthma attack
Dr Andy Whittamore
“Humidity can trap pollutants and allergens like pollen, mould, dust and smoke in the air, which then cause asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and a tight chest.
“If you have asthma and are already noticing more asthma symptoms such as coughing, a tight chest or breathlessness, make sure you keep your blue reliever inhaler with you at all times.
“Take hay fever medicines to help stop the allergic reaction, use your preventer inhaler (usually brown) as prescribed to reduce the inflammation in your airways.”
Experts say that knowing the best ways to manage asthma during the summer months can help deter symptoms and allow you to enjoy the weather.
Lloyds Pharmacy pharmacist Pareena Patel has shared her top tips to help you prevent an attack…
1. Plan ahead
Don’t let the heat catch you off guard.
There are many ways you can get ahead of the hot weather.
Pareen says: “If you know you’re going to be – or have to be – outside when it’s warm, plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need.
“You can better manage your asthma symptoms by making sure you take your preventative medications, including your preventative inhaler, everyday as prescribed by your GP.
“It is also important to go for regular asthma reviews to ensure that you are using your inhalers correctly and taking medication in the right doses.
“Try to keep your inhalers with you at all times and out of direct sunlight especially places known to get particularly hot, such as a car.”
2. Check pollen forecast
Pareena says: “During hay fever season and the warmer months, your asthma symptoms may become more prevalent.
“If you live with asthma your airways may already be swollen and the inflammatory effects of a reaction to pollen can sometimes result in breathing difficulties.
“One thing is to try to check the pollen count before heading outside and if there is poor air quality or a high count, it may be best to stay indoors.”
Asthma sufferers: What to do when the weather is hot
- Carry your blue reliever inhaler with you at all times and keep taking your regular preventer inhaler as prescribed by your doctor.
- Don’t leave your inhalers in direct sunlight or anywhere they might get too hot, such as the glove compartment of your car or on a hot window sill. This will stop them working well.
- If the pollen count is high and you’re allergic to pollen, make sure you’re managing your hay fever well. Hay fever symptoms can make asthma symptoms worse for some people.
- Avoid exercising outdoors during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm).
- Plan any outdoor activities for earlier in the day when the air quality tends to be better.
- Drink lots of water to prevent you getting dehydrated.
- When you’re indoors, keep the doors and windows closed.
Source: Asthma UK
She added: “Allergic reactions can cause symptoms in your nose, especially pollen allergies during hay fever season, which can cause nasal congestion.
“Allergies may also trigger symptoms of asthma, and can make breathing more difficult.
“If you are struggling with your breathing you should speak to your local pharmacist or GP for advice.
“Drug free therapy is a way of helping to treat symptoms without taking medication.
“It involves using natural techniques or products to alleviate your symptoms.
“This approach used on its own or combined with medication can be a more sustainable way of helping to manage your condition.”
3. Avoid polluted areas
Pollution can cause symptoms such as irritated airways, breathlessness and coughing.
Long term, high pollution levels can even lead to lung conditions including asthma and lung cancer.
Pareena says: “You may be more at risk of pollution aggravating symptoms, if you have a long-term respiratory condition, and can help manage your symptoms by avoiding pollution hot spots and reducing or avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise.”
4. Speak to your pharmacist
If you’ve got any concerns about your asthma or know that summer can be triggering for your symptoms, it’s best to see a medical professional.
Pareena says: “If you know that your asthma symptoms increase in the summer season or can be triggered by warm weather or hayfever, visit your local LloydsPharmacy and speak to your pharmacist who will be able to give advice on what the best treatment is tailored to you.
“LloydsPharmacy offer advice and information on medications you are currently taking, and can help with any questions you may have about your inhaler technique.
“You should also be attending an annual asthma review appointment with your GP or Asthma Nurse.”
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