Thunderstorms could put 7.2m people at risk of 'triple threat'

As the recent heatwave gives way to wet and rainy conditions this week, with the possibility of thunder across parts of the UK, millions of people have received a health warning about the potential impact on those who experience breathing difficulties. In an Instagram post, the NHS said: "Thunderstorms can trigger symptoms for those with lung conditions, like asthma. If the weather makes your symptoms worse and you need to use your inhaler more, talk to your pharmacist, contact your GP or NHS 111." The image accompanying the medical warning advised those who have been prescribed an inhaler to ensure they carry it with them "during periods of thundery weather". An inhaler can assist with conditions such as asthma or COPD. Asthma is a widespread condition. According to Asthma and Lung UK, some 7.2 million people in the UK live with some degree of asthma, which is the same as eight in every 100 people, reports the Mirror . Those living with asthma must exercise caution during thunderstorms, as such weather events can trigger sudden and severe asthma attacks. This is sometimes referred to as 'thunderstorm asthma'. Asthma and Lung UK said: "Thunderstorms can trigger your asthma, causing asthma attacks and making symptoms like breathlessness, wheezing and coughing worse." Scientists do not yet fully understand everything behind thunderstorm asthma. Experts do understand the core mechanisms of thunderstorm asthma, but are still researching why it only happens under very specific, rare conditions. Researchers believe factors like background air pollution, specific plant types and individual immune responses all play critical and overlapping roles that require further study. People are more likely to experience this if: They have both asthma and hay fever They are not managing their asthma well They have asthma, but have not yet been formally diagnosed Asthma UK also claims: "There is evidence that younger adults (under 30) are more affected by thunderstorm asthma." Thunderstorm asthma happens when strong winds pull higher concentrations of pollen and pollution particles up into the atmosphere. When breathed in, it can reach deeper into the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Combined with pollen and air pollution, this creates a "triple threat situation" for those with asthma. If your asthma is affected by thunderstorms, stay indoors before, during and after the weather event. It’s a good idea to keep your windows closed too, says Asthma and Lung UK. People should also try to keep a reliever inhaler with them, so it can be used quickly to treat asthma symptoms in an emergency. If you have to go outside, wear a mask to protect yourself against pollen grains