Urgent warning to millions as heatwave set to spark killer emergencies this weekend

MILLIONS of Brits could be at risk of a deadly asthma attack as temperatures soar over the next few days. Forecasters have predicted that temperatures could hit peaks of 35C – making the UK hotter than the Caribbean. Today highs of 29C are expected with the mercury nudging 30C by Sunday. People who live with […]

MILLIONS of Brits could be at risk of a deadly asthma attack as temperatures soar over the next few days.

Forecasters have predicted that temperatures could hit peaks of 35C – making the UK hotter than the Caribbean.

Getty

Millions of asthmatics will be at risk during the hotter weather this weekend[/caption]

Today highs of 29C are expected with the mercury nudging 30C by Sunday.

People who live with asthma have been urged to take precautions as 64 per cent are triggered by changes in the weather.

It means that close to 3.4million of the 5.4million asthmatics in the UK could experience a deadly attack or see an exacerbation of symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing and coughing as the temperatures go up.

Emma Rubach, Head of Health Advice at Asthma + Lung UK said strong sunshine causes the level of ozone and other air pollutants in the atmosphere to rise, which can trigger symptoms.  

Not only this, but many have also had to deal with high pollen levels, which is also a known trigger for those who suffer with the condition.

Today people in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West and even Dumfries, Galloway and Lothian Borders will experience very high pollen levels.

On Saturday this will also spread to Strathclyde, with most regions across the rest of the country also experiencing high counts.

When this is combined with warm weather, Emma said the risk of having a life-threatening asthma attack increases.

“Warmer summer weather can trigger asthma symptoms for some people and while the causes are not clear, it’s thought to be because the warmer air causes the airways to narrow, leading to coughing and shortness of breath.

“When it’s hot in summer, there are often higher levels of pollen in the air generally too, which can trigger asthma attacks. 

“Hot weather can cause symptoms in other lung conditions to flare up too, like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), especially if you become dehydrated.

“We would advise people to use their preventer inhalers regularly as prescribed and carry their reliever inhalers with them wherever they go and also to stay indoors if they don’t need to be outside on very hot days.” 

Data from the charity states that hot weather in particular is a trigger for 37 per cent of people who struggle with lung conditions – around two million.

In order to stay safe this weekend and avoid a deadly attack, experts say you should always check the weather and pollen counts before going out and plan ahead.

Where possible they say you should avoid the heat, staying indoors during the hottest times and if you are outside, staying in the shade.

You can use a fan to keep you cool and exercise sensibly.

In order to keep your body temperature down, you should also take cool baths or showers and stay hydrated.

Met Office spokeswoman Nicky Maxey said parts of England will be very warm and that over the next week, the weather will stay fine and dry.

Nicky added: “The following weekend there are some indications temperatures may rise once more, potentially higher than they will be at the start of next week.

“These high temperatures can have an impact on long term health conditions, particularly as we are going to have warm nights as well, so people won’t be getting any respite.”