Experts are warning that a Saharan dust ,which has spread across the UK today, could trigger asthma attacks in those who suffer from the condition.
After a Bank Holiday weekend of sunshine and blue skies, many Brits will have woken up to a red sunrise as the sky held a dense layer of dust from the Sahara Desert today (Tuesday, 23rd April). You may have also noticed it on your cars or windows.
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has now issued a high air pollution warning for three regions across the country: London, the South East and Yorkshire & Humberside.
A total of 5.4 million people in the UK alone suffer from asthma and are currently receiving treatment, according to Asthma UK.
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The NHS defines asthma as a 'common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties', which can affect all ages.
Symptoms can include wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing), breathlessness, a tight chest and coughing - these symptoms can get temporarily worse, which is known as an asthma attack.
And the Saharan dust cloud could cause these symptoms to worsen, so experts are warning people to stay indoors if they suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems.
Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead at Asthma UK, said: "Saharan dust could pose a serious risk to the 5.4million people in the UK with asthma.
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"Dust and other types of air pollution are a well-known trigger for people with asthma.
"Toxic air can leave people struggling for breath and can cause wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and even a life-threatening asthma attack.
"People with asthma must make sure they carry their reliever inhaler (usually blue) with them at all times in case their symptoms worsen.
"We also advise people with asthma to continue to manage their condition with their preventer inhaler (usually brown) as this will help to reduce the inflammation in their airways and make them less likely to react to asthma triggers."
Met Office forecaster Bonnie Diamond explained how the dust has reached the UK.
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She said: "Dust from the Sahara has been carried across the UK from a south easterly direction.
"It's not uncommon for Saharan dust to reach the UK. How that can affect us is it can cause sunrises and sunsets to look red.
"When it rains, as it did in the south west and west this morning, that can bring the dust down to the surface and people might notice it on their windscreens."
The dust cloud is expected to last for the rest of the day and cause a red sunset tonight.
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For support and advice on air pollution if you suffer from asthma, click here.
Topics: Weather, Life News, Real, Health
