Brits plagued by hay fever and asthma could experience 'thunder fever' misery this week as high humidity from the remnants of a tropical storm and high pollen levels are set to dish-up double-whammy of allergy hell. Millions of people are expected to suffer over the coming days, with forecasters warning pollen counts will soar to "very high" levels across the nation before thunderstorms from ex-Tropical Storm Alex roll in.
This will create the weather phenomenon "thunder fever" as high humidity splits grains into tiny, highly potent particles, while storms will blow them around to nose-level. Speaking to the Daily Star, Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg, said: "With this fine weather thunderstorms are also predicted, and they can bring problems for hay fever sufferers.
"Very high pollen counts are predicted across many parts of England from Thursday onwards causing havoc for the millions of hay-fever sufferers in the UK. Predicted thunderstorms won’t give respite, as instead they can cause a phenomenon known as ‘thunder fever’."
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According to weather experts, the country is set to face "unseasonably" strong winds towards the end of this week. Warnings have been issued for 45mph gusts as the remnants of the tropical storm arrive on British shores.
The Met Office said the conditions will commence on Thursday and will continue into Friday. The ex-storm will largely lose its strength as it progresses into the weekend.
But what exactly is "thunder fever" and why should hay fever and asthma sufferers be prepared? Here's everything you need to know.
Thunder fever is an extreme form of hay fever. Hay fever is triggered when the immune system mistakes airborne particles such as pollen for a harmful pathogen. This then usually causes inflammation of the airways, frequent sneezing and watery eyes.
Mr Wiseberg, creator of HayMax allergen barrier balm, also said: "According to a report in The European Respiratory review, humidity breaks pollen grains into smaller allergenic particles. These new pollen grains turn into a kind of 'super pollen', and this appears to be more allergenic than normal pollen, causing more severe reactions in sufferers."
He added: "Storms bring pollen grains down which might have otherwise risen above head height out of harm's way and whipping up pollen grains and fungal spores near the ground."
When inhaled, tiny pollen particles can travel deep inside the lungs and spur on an asthma attack. The air before a storm can be very humid, causing sufferers to often complain of a tight chest, a cough and difficulty breathing. According to the NHS, hay fever can last for weeks or months unlike a cold, which usually goes away after one to two weeks.
Currently there is no cure for hay fever and although medication can help ease symptoms for some people, they can provoke unwelcome side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision. However, there are numerous natural remedies and simple methods that can be taken at home that have considerable impact on alleviating symptoms.
- Try rubbing Vaseline around the nostrils or using a throat or nasal spray to trap pollen and stop it from sticking to the lining of the throat and nose.
- Eat dark coloured berries like currants, blackberries and red grapes - they all contain high levels of antioxidants. Red grape skin contains resveratrol, which reduces inflammation in the body.
- Try not to go out when the air is warming up (8-10am) and cooling down (5-7pm), as this tends to be when the pollen count is the highest.
- Swap coffee and tea for chamomile tea - a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.
- Exercise when possible - research has found that people with hay fever who exercise most, have the mildest symptoms.
- Consider investing in a pollen filter during the spring and summer months.
- Certain house plants, like peace lilies, can ease symptoms of hay fever - consider buying a couple to dot around indoors.
- Beer, wine and spirits contain a chemical called histamine, which sets off allergy symptoms in the body and can make you more sensitive to pollen. So try to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.
- Don't hang and dry clothes outside as they will easily catch pollen.
- Don't mow the lawns or do any gardening when pollen levels are high.
- Vacuum regularly, dust and wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to keep living areas as free from pollen as possible.
- Eat foods rich in omega 3 such as oily fish, nuts, seeds - they contain anti-inflammatory properties which may help to ease symptoms.
- Try to reduce your stress levels as studies have found that hay fever symptoms can worsen due to stress.
- Clean bedsheets as often as possible as this will help ease symptoms and make for a better night's sleep.
- Avoid grassy areas.
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