Sahara Dust Creates a Satsuma-like Sun but Poses a Risk to Asthmatics!

Hi folks,

After the many reported weird sightings yesterday of a green or yellow sky, punctuated by an eerie, orange or red sun, is it any surprise that I dreamed of alien spaceships descending from outer space? So it was only me then?

Apparently, this unusual phenomenon is due to the winds created by Hurricane Ophelia kicking up the Sahara desert sand. More worryingly,  Asthma UK have warned that this blanket of dust is very likely to trigger severe asthma attacks, which could be fatal!

We've long been aware of the many environmental factors which trigger asthma symptoms. For example, Thunderstorm Asthma was first described over thirty years ago. This asthmatic environmental trigger appears to be worse during the pollen season. Between November 21st and 22nd 2016, following a thunderstorm,  Melbourne in Australia described 9,900 patients presented in hospital with acute asthmatic attacks. Sadly, nine asthmatics died.

The more commonly known environmental triggers for asthma are house dust mite, pet dander, grass and tree pollen and cigarette smoke. Also, certain foods such as peanuts, alcohol and food additives can affect asthma. Aerosols and perfumes can all affect asthmatics too.  Another important environmental factor which may pose as a trigger currently, is the autumn moulds. During the autumn, mushrooms, toadstools, and the moulds found in rotting leaves and plants can all trigger asthma symptoms.

More worryingly, today the met office have warned that the Sahara dust will be back on Wednesday,  therefore likely creating another wave of asthmatic symptoms and attacks.

Don't get caught out. For up-to-date information, visit www.asthma.org.uk This web site really is the very best site for vital information, including prevention measures and advice on how to recognise asthma attacks.

You can find all this information and more in my book, Asthma-the Essential Guide with Need2Know Books LTD. To order from Amazon, just follow the tabs at the top left of this blog.

love
Cathx