‘Thunder fever’ weekend warning as storms could trigger ‘super pollen’ to plague hay fever sufferers

Hay fever sufferers are set for a weekend of misery as an expert has warned that storms could trigger a “pollen bomb”.

Pollen counts are set to be “very high” across most English regions this weekend and the Met Office has forecast rain and thunderstorms over the next couple of days.

Hay fever sufferers could run into trouble this weekend as the UK is set for a pollen bomb

The pollen count is set to be at it’s highest today and tomorrow and the regions to be hit hardest will include the North West, North East, East Midlands, the South West and London and the South East.

Rain is forecast from tomorrow up until Tuesday next week and some areas are set for thunderstorms tomorrow.

One expert has warned that the 30 million hay fever sufferers in the UK should take extra precautions as their hay fever will be “dramatically effected”.

Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg said although many people associate rain and thunderstorms with a reduction in pollen count, this doesn’t always happen.

“Thunderstorms can actually have the opposite effect – to make your hay fever far worse. This reaction to the weather is known as ‘thunderfever’”, he explained.

This happens when the humidity breaks pollen grains into smaller particles, so one pollen grain becomes two, essentially raising the pollen count.

Therefore, it’s likely that you’ll be exposed to even more pollen than you’re used to – triggering symptoms such as itchy eyes and runny nose.

Max added that these pollen grains turn into “super pollen” which is more allergenic than normal pollen – causing more severe reactions in those who suffer with hay fever.

He said: “Storms cause great movements in the air, both bringing 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.

“To make matters worse, farmers will often work hard to get their fields harvested before a storm which further increases the level of allergens in the air.

“And don’t think that living in the city will spare you from this either; the thunderstorm can pick all this pollen up and carry it for miles before dumping it at head height in the city.”

WHAT TO DO TO HELP

Luckily there are things you can do to prepare yourself and he suggested putting together a hay fever first aid kit.

He said this should consist of one or more natural products such as a natural allergy balm like HayMax.

He added: “One antihistamine such as Piriteze, one nasal spray such as Beconase and eye drops such as Optrex.

“The interesting thing about this is that many of these remedies can be complementary to each other.

“So if one helps, but doesn’t do the whole job, you may be able to try other remedies at the same time and get a better result.

“But there are rules: never take two anti-histamines together, never take 2 steroid nasal sprays together, and consult your pharmacist or doctor if you are already taking any other medication.”