Thunderstorms and Asthma

Hello everyone,

This latest post is one that I think is so very important. It doesn’t matter where in the world you are, this can happen – Thunderstorm induced asthma.
As you know, thunderstorms more often than not combine heavy rain, high humidity and strong winds.

During spring and sometimes in summer the combination of pollen, moisture and extreme changes in air pressure with rapid movement can lead to the rupturing of pollen grains creating much smaller particles carrying the allergens. The gusty winds from thunderstorm downdrafts spread these allergens which can be inhaled deep into the lungs causing severe and in rare cases life threatening attacks especially with those people who have not taken their asthma medications. (Pollen itself is too large to be inhaled into the lungs).
According to the Asthma Foundation “this phenomenon was originally shown to occur with rye grass pollen, but is now thought to occur with other grass pollens and perhaps some tree pollens as well. There is also some evidence that these smaller particles from pollens may occur after rain and that the wet conditions associated with thunderstorms and rain also greatly increase the amounts of fungal spores in the air - If your asthma symptoms get worse during thunderstorms, it may be best to stay indoors with the windows closed if you are able to”.

The following news story was released just recently regarding an upsurge in cases of Thunderstorm Induced Asthma reporting to the Alfred Hospital.

Please always have your written Asthma Management Plan up to date, carry your Reliever medication with you at all times.

Until Next time,

I wish you and yours only the best of Health.