The Met Office has forecast high pollen levels across England and Wales on Friday and Saturday, with medium levels in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland. The charity Asthma and Lung UK has warned that over 3 million people with lung conditions such as asthma or COPD are at risk of attacks or flare-ups this weekend.
Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead for Asthma and Lung UK, said: 'When pollen levels are at their highest this can be deadly for those with lung conditions like asthma who can suffer serious symptoms and have life-threatening attacks.' He urged people to use preventer inhalers as prescribed and carry reliever inhalers at all times.
Pollen can trigger symptoms such as a tight chest, wheezing and breathlessness in over half of people with asthma (59%) and more than a quarter of those with COPD. Asthma attacks can be fatal, with about four deaths per day in the UK.
For hay fever sufferers, the NHS recommends putting Vaseline around nostrils to trap pollen, wearing wraparound sunglasses, showering and changing clothes after being outdoors, and staying indoors when possible. Pharmacists can advise on antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays.
Pollen levels are expected to remain high in England and Wales over the weekend, but will fall to medium in north-east England on Sunday and in London and the south-east by Monday.
