Home experts urge Brits to protect their homes from thunderstorm asthma, as thunderstorms threaten the UK

The experts at Online Carpets have issued a warning to Brits to protect their homes against thunderstorm asthma, with recent news warning the nation of potential thunderstorms.

With spring in full swing and the return of fresh floral blooms, it also means that hayfever is in the air – literally – and this mixed with an average of 11 days of rainfall in May can be a dangerous combination, experts warn.

The condition was first spotted in the UK in 1983, with many Brits reporting asthmatic symptoms despite not suffering from the condition.

This strange medical condition can be triggered by strong winds from thunderstorms pulling high levels of pollen into the air, and breaking them down into smaller particles that can be breathed in more easily.

Whether you suffer from asthma or hay fever or neither, it’s important to be prepared to ensure the safety of yourself and others as we head into thunderstorm season in the UK.

Below, the experts at Online Carpets share their 5 top tips for Brits to protect their home against thunderstorm asthma this spring and summer:

1. Stay indoors

It may seem simple, but staying indoors is a good first step to avoid these symptoms, especially if you already suffer from asthma.

If you don’t need to leave the house during a storm, try not to unless absolutely necessary, however, if you do need to make a quick trip outdoors, wear a mask to protect your mouth and nose from breathing in any allergen particles.

2. Secure your home, and remember to clean upholstery

Thunderstorms can bring strong gusts of wind, so it’s important to secure your home to stop the air from entering buildings unwanted.

Close all doors and windows, and purchase some draught blockers to cover any gaps that could allow the air inside. Additionally, if you have air conditioning, set it to re-circulate to have a steady flow of fresh air.

As well as this, remember to clean your floors as often as possible. If any wind does enter your home, the pollen particles that come with it can stick to upholstery surfaces and carpets in particular.

If you have a carpet, a strong vacuum is recommended for this. But, if you have some laminate or vinyl flooring, use a damp mop with some floor cleaner to get any lingering particles thoroughly cleaned away.

3. Take precautions with clothes and shoes

Sometimes going outdoors is inevitable, as we may need to do the weekly shop, or take our furry friends out for a walk.

When re-entering the house, take off your coat and shoes and leave them in an area where potential pollen particles can’t spread, or clean them immediately.

As well as cleaning your clothes and shoes, clean any floors that these items may have touched, as pollen can fall off onto the surfaces, and potentially trigger an allergic reaction.

4. Take regular showers and wash your face often

Taking regular showers and washing your face is a great way to cleanse your skin from any pollen particles, especially if you’ve just entered your home after braving the outdoors.

This ensures that all possible allergens are washed away, and can’t affect yourself or other people in the household by lingering on your skin, and spreading into the air.

5. Seek medical advice if necessary

There are available medications to combat the effects of asthma and hayfever, and some over-the-counter medication such as antihistamines could really benefit your health in this case.

However, if you are suffering from severe symptoms that are not normal for you at this time of year, or suspect that you are experiencing thunderstorm asthma, seek medical guidance from a professional, such as a GP or visit your local hospital immediately.

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