Wednesday 28 September 2022 10:38 PM Doctors warn Hurricane Ian could trigger host of hidden health dangers trends now
Hurricane Ian is ripping through southern Florida putting thousands of homes underwater and causing power outages across large parts of the state.
The up to 155mph storm is expected to wreak more havoc in the sunshine state than Hurricane Andrew, which killed 65 people in Louisiana, Florida and the Bahamas after it made landfall in 1992.
Dozens of Americans die directly from hurricanes every year, with many more put into hospitals with injuries from falling debris or being launched through the air by gusts.
But other than the obvious threats to life and livelihoods, doctors are now warning of the hidden health risks from extreme storms.
'Super-asthma' is a phenomenon that can occur after a hurricane, Dr Robert McDermott an allergy expert who graduated from the University of Colorado in Denver told DailyMail.com.
Extreme storms sweep up pollen and other respiratory allergens which can irritate the lungs of asthmatics, making symptoms worse.
Dr James Diaz, a public health expert at Louisiana State University, told DailyMail.com there could also be a wave of mental health issues following the mass destruction.
For some this will lead to 'behavioral issues' as people struggled to cope with loss, including some turning to alcohol and drugs.
And as flood waters surge into treatment plans they will mix chemicals, human waste and maybe even dead animals with drinking water making it unsafe to use.
The above graphic highlights four hidden health risks from hurricanes, according to experts. They include mental health problems from the damage, asthma because pollen has been swept up, encounters with dangerous wild animals that have been displaced and water contamination leaving it posing a serious health risk
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA: The area is shown above as Hurricane Ian makes landfall sparking flooding and damage to homes
One individual who did not heed the warnings to evacuate has ended up swimming through potentially contaminated water. The CDC advises thoroughly washing yourself afterwards due to the risk of negative health effects
Hurricanes have several serious health impacts. Pictured above is hurricane Ian as it slams into the coast of Florida today
Experts warn that tons of pollen can be sucked into the air by hurricanes — and even broken into small shards — as the extreme weather sweep through.
This raises the risk of asthma attacks, with several studies showing they spike during and just after thunderstorms.
This phenomena is known as thunder asthma or thunder hayfever.
Dr McDermott, who is also part of the AllerVie Health Network told DailyMail.com: 'We know that wind events — like thunderstorms — and the wind current can pick up quite a bit of pollen.
'Hurricanes are a bit different, but we can anticipate people will have more health issues with asthma.'
Hay fever sufferers are at risk too, but so are about 60 percent of asthmatics whose symptoms are triggered by pollen.
Dr McDermott said asthma sufferers should ensure they have at least two inhalers on hand. Each lasts several months giving sufferers ample time to replace one.
He added they should have extra medications — such as inhaled corticosteroids — on hand, because damage to the area could leave them unable to buy more for weeks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends having an at least
