Weather changes can exacerbate lung conditions

Lung problems such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma are all affected by changes in the weather.

Now forecasters in Exeter have developed a new set of weather predictions with help from GPs.

It is hoped that by forecasting those changes, doctors' surgeries and hospitals can plan staffing to match patient demand more effectively.

'International interest'

The pilot project has been a success and the new regime is to be launched officially next Monday.

One sufferer of breathing problems, Cathy Rutter from Illogan, said changes in climate affect her health on a daily basis:

"If it's a misty day I'm not going to get very much done," she said.

The health forecasting programme manager at the Met Office, Mark Gibbs, explained how it will work.

"We send out forecasts twice a week," he said.

"Once we generate these forecasts we can work with people within primary care - like nurses, doctors and people within the community - to actually go and speak to the patients before they become ill.

"And they can put in place some clinical and evidence-based interventions to stop them getting ill and stop them requiring going into hospital."

Every primary care trust in Cornwall and Devon has been working with the weathermen to develop the idea, which the team says has been receiving international interest.

Catherine Kelly, from the British Lung Foundation in the South West, believes early intervention is vital.