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Scotland to be hit with rare weather phenomenon ‘thunder fever' – and it's bad news for hay fever sufferers
Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg says this weekend's weather could be particularly bad for those with hay fever
HIGH ALERT Scotland to be hit with rare weather phenomenon 'thunder fever' – and it's bad news for hay fever sufferers
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SCOTS are bracing for thunderstorms this weekend but hayfever sufferers are in for a tough time as experts warn of a phenomenon called "thunder fever".
Thunder, lightning and heavy downpours are forecast for tomorrow - with a yellow weather warning covering most of the country from midnight tonight until 6pm on Saturday.
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This weekend's thunderstorms could cause a rare phenomenon called 'thunder fever'
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And Scots should look out the antihistamines in advance as it can trigger "thunder fever".
Scientists believe that during a thunderstorm, pollen grains absorb moisture and split into smaller fragments and create a "super pollen".
Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg says this weekend's weather could be particularly bad for those with hay fever.
He said: "Warm, sunny weather in June means higher pollen counts. Which is what we are seeing this week, with high pollen counts currently in south and central Scotland.
"So there is more pollen in the air for hay fever sufferers to deal with. Everyone can tolerate a certain amount of pollen, known as the 'trigger level', but once this is reached symptoms start to occur.
"So more pollen means that more people's hay fever will be triggered and symptoms will be worse for some.'
While rain usually clears the air of pollen, thunderstorms can ironically exacerbate hay fever.
Wiseberg says that no one is completely sure of how "thunder fever" works, but research suggests that the humidity breaks pollen into more allergenic particles.
Storms can also bring pollen down from higher altitudes and whip up ground-level pollen.
Wiseberg said: "There has been quite a lot of research and according to a report in The European Respiratory review, humidity breaks pollen grains into smaller allergenic particles. So one pollen grain becomes two, which instantly raises the pollen count. But these new pollen grains also turn into a kind of 'super pollen' which appears to be more allergenic than normal pollen, causing more severe reactions in sufferers.
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'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 near the ground.
"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 is the best way of combating this?
Wiseberg recommends preventing pollen entry by creating a physical barrier with an organic barrier.
He said: "One of the best ways of dealing with the pollen is to prevent it getting into your body in the first place.
"Creating a physical barrier to the pollen with an organic allergen barrier balm such as HayMax, around the nostrils and bones of the eyes, helps keep pollen out.
"HayMax has been proven to trap over a third of pollen particles before they enter the body."
Don't double up the dose of your antihistamines
Wiseberg advises against taking two antihistaminesor two steroid nassal sprays together.
He said: "There are rules: never take two antihistamines together, never take two steroid nasal sprays together, and consult your pharmacist or doctor about it if you are already taking another medication.
"I suggest that your ideal Hay Fever First Aid Kit will consist of one or more natural products such as an allergen barrier balm to help keep the pollen out, only one antihistamine to help deal with symptoms, only one steroid nasal spray to help clear nasal symptoms and eye drops, to help reduce itchy, watering, swollen eyes.'
