Dr Hilary Jones has issued a 'thunder fever' warning for those with asthma as many parts of the UK are expected to continue to see rainfall and thunderstorms over the next few days. The 69-year-old GP joined Lorraine stand-in host Christine Lampard on Wednesday's ITV morning programme to share tips to those who suffer with hayfever and asthma.
His warning comes as amber and yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms are currently in place for southern parts of the UK until late on Wednesday and rainfall is forecast across many areas of Britain at some point later this week and into the weekend. The stormy weather combined with high pollen levels can cause "thunder fever" or "thunderstorm asthma", the Liverpool Echo reports.
Speaking on Lorraine, Dr Hilary warned those with asthma to "be cautious". "People with asthma do risk an attack because of thunder and lightening," He told Christine.
"What happens is the pollen that is already present in the atmosphere - and to a great degree at the moment - the pollen granules rupture, spilling the protein which is much smaller than the pollen itself, which gets into the lungs of asthmatics. So we do get a spate of people suffering asthma and being admitted to hospital."
He then offered some advice saying: "So for those people, close the windows when there is a storm expected. Stay indoors, wear a mask if you go outside and, of course, take your preventer inhalers, your asthma inhalers with you and antihistamines if necessary as well. Just be cautious."
The Met Office have predicted "sporadic showers for most" into the weekend. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Rudman said: “While there’s more detail to be determined into the weekend, the main theme for Saturday is unsettled spell of weather with some showers but also some sunny spells, while some gusty winds and more consistent rain could affect the northwest.
“Later in the weekend, and into early next week, a warm front is expected to move in from the Atlantic, which brings with it some further rain from the west, gradually spreading eastwards. The heaviest rain, and highest totals, are expected to be in western areas but as the front moves eastwards it should weaken, reducing any totals in these areas, and the southeast in particular could stay mostly dry.”
Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV and ITV Hub from 9am. For more details on the latest forecasts visit metoffice.gov.uk
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