Asthma sufferers could be hit by so-called 'thunder fever' this summer amid thunderstorms and soaring pollen counts.
Scotland has been treated to scorching hot temperatures this week, but hot weather is often followed by unpredictable summer storms with thunder and downpours.
Experts are warning that a sudden switch in the weather during pollen season could be a trigger for the millions of people suffering from asthma or hay fever.
The result is known as "thunder fever" or "thunderstorm asthma" and occurs when high winds whip up the pollen in the air.
A spokesperson from Asthma UK said: "On thundery days some people living with asthma or hay fever might find that their symptoms are triggered or worsened by the weather conditions – this is known as Thunderstorm Asthma.
"Thunderstorm Asthma is caused by high winds drawing higher levels of pollens and pollution particles into the air.
"When the pollen granules come into contact with water, the pollen breaks down into smaller particles that are released into the air.
"These particles are so small that when they are inhaled through the nose and mouth they can get deeper down into the smaller airways in the lungs and trigger asthma symptoms.
"Some airborne allergens involved in thunderstorm asthma are tree and grass pollens and mould spores."
Hay fever sufferers will most likely feel their normal symptoms, like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.
But hay fever can cause asthma symptoms to worsen and these weather conditions can cause even mild symptoms to become severe.
Asthma sufferers are advised to stay indoors during stormy weather to avoid attacks, with fears the conditions could be potentially fatal in rare cases.
