Get in the know this summer
Learn about how to look after your health during the warmer months of the year, including staying safe in the sun and looking after summer health problems.
Risk of asthma attacksThe recent storms and high pollen count have caused an increase in severe asthma attacks. Please follow the advice below if you are an asthma or hayfever sufferer.
Breathing difficulties
Asthma symptoms and breathing difficulties can be triggered by summer weather, for example if there are thunderstorms, in hot weather and if there is a high pollen count. You can also be at risk if you have hayfever or a grass pollen allergy, as well as if you have asthma.
Top tips
- If you have already been prescribed a preventer inhaler, it is important to keep taking it to prevent a severe attack.
- If you have a blue/reliever inhaler, make sure you carry this with you at all times so it is ready to use
- Make sure you are using your inhalers properly. You can read more about how to do this below.
- If your symptoms are worsening, follow your asthma action plan, contact your GP practice or use NHS 111.
Inhaler technique
A good inhaler technique gives you the best chance of managing your astma symptoms.
- Prepare the inhaler device.
- Prepare or load the dose.
- Breath out gently as far as is comfortable, not into the inhaler.
- Tilt the chin up slightly and put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it.
- Dry Powder Inhaler: Breathe in as quickly and deeply as possible. Aerosol: Breath in slowly and steadily.
- Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for up to ten seconds or as long as possible.
- Wait 30 seconds then repeat steps one to six for a second dose, if needed. Close the inhaler or replace the lid as appropriate.
