Hay Fever Sufferers Warned About 'Thunder Fever' As Heatwave Hits

Last week, Brits were warned against the weather phenomenon after Storm Alex - along with a high pollen count - prompted warnings about extreme hay fever.

"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'."

With hot weather, high pollen count, and more stormy weather scheduled over the coming week, sufferers are being warned to take extra precautions.

Wiseberg added: "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.

"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."

On Friday (10 June), Allergy UK tweeted advice to those suffering, explaining: "With high pollen counts predicted over the weekend, nasal steroid sprays can help to reduce the inflammation/swelling & reduce symptoms like sneezing, itching and a runny nose. It's important that they're used correctly to get the maximum benefit."

Earlier this month, when the pollen count was particularly high, Asthma and Lung UK urged sufferers to keep their preventer and reliever inhalers on-hand to prevent asthma attacks or flare-ups.

Pollen can see those with asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) suffer from a tight chest, and shortness of breath and a wheeze or a cough.

Clinical lead for Asthma and Lung UK, Dr Andy Whittamore warned that a high pollen count can be "deadly" to those who suffer with lung conditions.

Urging people to stay vigilant, he suggested: "Using your preventer inhalers as prescribed is important as the medicine reduces sensitivity and swelling in the airways.

"We also advise people to carry their reliever inhalers every day, especially when they are out and about enjoying the sunshine in case pollen does cause a flare-up of their symptoms.

"The third thing people can do is to use a steroid nasal spray every day, together with non-drowsy antihistamine tablets to help stop the allergic reaction."

While there is no known cure or preventative measure for hay fever, there are a number of tips recommended by the NHS that can help to ease symptoms.

These include, staying indoors and keeping windows shut when possible if pollen counts are high, putting Vaseline around your nostrils, wearing wraparound sunglasses, buying a pollen filter for the air vents in your car, and vacuuming and dusting regularly.