PEOPLE who suffer with asthma in Dorset are being urged to check the weather and pollen levels daily to avoid the risk of asthma attacks.

Asthma UK, a charity supporting people with the condition, said one in 11 people have asthma in the South West and a change in weather can increase the risks of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.

Andrew Proctor, director of advice and support at Asthma UK, said: “The weather can mean the difference between life and death for someone with asthma.

“So far this summer we’ve seen heatwaves, storms and even flood warnings and people with asthma have very sensitive airways.

“Not only that, but up to 80 per cent of people with asthma also have hay fever, and high pollen levels can affect people’s asthma.

“Every 10 seconds someone is having a potentially life-threatening asthma attack in the UK, and we urge those in Dorset who have asthma to check the Met Office weather and pollen forecasts daily, so they can be prepared.”

Taking preventer medicines as prescribed will help ensure airways are less sensitive and less likely to react to their triggers and carrying an inhaler at all times will help relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack.

For more information visit asthma.org.uk or call the Asthma UK Helpline on 0300 222 5800 to discuss any questions or concerns.