Thunderstorm asthma

Protect yourself from thunderstorm asthma

Pollens from flowering grasses, etc are swept into the developing thunderstorm and burst into very small particles
Winds from the storm carry the burst pollen particles over long distances
The storm pushes burst particles down to the ground
People with asthma or hay fever can breathe these burst particles in. This can cause symptoms to worsen, potentially leading to an asthma attack or worsening respiratory symptoms

An increase in asthma symptoms following a thunderstorm in the local area
This is a developing area of knowledge and are quite rare but there have been some incidences within the UK in the past few years
Symptoms usually respond well to normal inhaled therapy but lots of people can be affected and can lead to A&E attendances.

Stay indoors if possible and keep windows closed before and during the storm
Make sure you are taking your regular “preventer” inhaler as prescribed
If you do develop a sudden severe asthma attack use your asthma action plan to help guide you with what to do. Keep your action plan in a place where it can easily be found. If you don’t have one speak to your GP / Respiratory Nurse to have a review and get one.
If you have to go outside a mask may be helpful to avoid inhaling pollen fragments
Use antihistamines to help managed hay fever symptoms
Dial 999 if you are in difficulty and symptoms are not improving despite your usual therapy.

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Northdown and Dashwood Surgery
St Anthonys Way
Cliftonville
Margate
Kent
CT9 2TR

Telephone: 01843 231661

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