Asthma attack 'epidemic' warning

It comes amid fears that an 'asthma attack epidemic' is sweeping the country.

Doctors believe recent stormy weather across Britain has sparked a wave of attacks that has left some hospitals unable to cope.

In Cambridge, one man is reported to have died and three others are believed to be in a serious condition after suffering an attack.

The National Asthma Campaign said its helpline had seen an increase in telephone calls over the past few days.

Hot weather last weekend has been followed by heavy rain and thunder storms in many parts of Britain.

Attack trigger

This has led to a huge rise in allergens and pollen in the air, which can trigger asthma attacks.

Doctors warned of an possible epidemic after many patients who have not suffered attacks in years started turning up at A&E departments across the country.

"We have seen people who haven't had an attack for 10 years," said Professor Edwin Chilvers of Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. "It is an epidemic."

The hospital has reported a 10-fold incrase in emergency admissions in just 36 hours. Managers were forced to open an extra ward to deal with the crisis.

"Since midnight on Tuesday we had over 45 asthmatics come into A&E," said Professor Chilvers.

"It is a ten-fold increase in what we would normally expect at this time of year.

Professor Chilvers said the situation was the same across much of South East England with hospitals in Cambridgeshire, East Anglia, Hertfordshire and Suffolk.

"If other areas have had similar thunderstorms that have been preceeded by hot days, it could be happening around the country," he said.

A spokeswoman for the National Asthma Campaign said: "We have seen a rise in the number of people calling our helpline. Thunder storms can exacerbate the symptoms of people with asthma."

Speaking to BBC News Online, she added: "We are advising people with asthma to make sure they take their blue reliever inhibitor with them everywhere and maybe discuss medication with their GP if they believe they might be at risk."

Over five million people in the UK suffer from asthma.