Thunderstorm Asthma: Connections, Symptoms, Treatments, and More
Thunderstorm asthma is when a strong storm during pollen season triggers an asthma attack. It has the potential to affect many people at once, which could trigger a mass asthma event.
Thunderstorm asthma occurs when a mix of pollen and weather conditions trigger severe asthma symptoms. During a strong thunderstorm, this could result in a large number of people experiencing asthma symptoms over a short period.
Being unprepared for an asthma attack can be life threatening. Knowing what to expect from upcoming weather events could help you be ready for sudden asthma symptoms. Having an asthma action plan, current medications, and rescue inhalers can be helpful in the event of thunderstorm asthma.
Can thunderstorms cause an asthma attack?
Yes, thunderstorms can cause an asthma attack.
When a thunderstorm happens during pollen season, it can concentrate the pollen at ground level. The concentrated pollen then gets released into the surrounding air, essentially aerosolizing the pollen. The first 20 to 30 minutes of a thunderstorm are the most likely to cause an asthma attack due to the high level of allergens in the air. Even people with seasonal allergies who do not have asthma may experience an asthma attack under these conditions.
But not just any thunderstorm will result in an asthma attack. There needs to be a high, ground-level accumulation of allergens. This usually includes grass pollen or mold spores. Often, these allergens are too large to inhale, but the high humidity and hard rain during a thunderstorm lets pollen, fungal spores, and other allergens be more easily inhaled.
Thunderstorm asthma is not common in the United States. However, in 2016 an epidemic-level thunderstorm asthma event occurred in Melbourne, Australia. This fierce storm resulted in nine asthma-related deaths and sent about 8,500 people to the emergency department for asthma-related issues.
Symptoms of thunderstorm asthma
The pollen and fungal spores circulating in the air during a thunderstorm can trigger an allergic asthma attack and inflame airways. Thunderstorm asthma symptoms will be similar to symptoms of a sudden asthma attack and include:
- chest tightness
- wheezing
- coughing
- shortness of breath
Treatment options for thunderstorm asthma
If you have a thunderstorm asthma attack, you should follow the same plan you use for a typical asthma attack.
Usually, this involves taking a few puffs from your rescue inhaler. This will open your airways and help you breathe easier.
Small children, or those with severe asthma, may need to use a nebulizer for their medication.
A rescue inhaler or nebulizer should provide some level of immediate relief, and symptoms should mostly subside after about 15 to 20 minutes. If they have not, you can repeat the treatment. If the treatment has no effect, call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency department.
Do antihistamines help thunderstorm asthma?
Antihistamines are not usually a first-line treatment for asthma. However, a thunderstorm asthma attack is similar to an allergic asthma attack, so antihistamines can be helpful if you do not have an emergency inhaler available.
Some common over-the-counter antihistamines are:
What precautions should be taken for thunderstorm asthma?
While you cannot prevent a thunderstorm, there are certain steps you can take to minimize your risk of an asthma attack during a storm.
- Watch the weather: Be aware of any impending storms or conditions that could increase airborne allergens.
- Be aware of the pollen count: Some apps can send you alerts when the pollen count in your area reaches high levels.
- Stay indoors: Stay inside and keep windows and doors closed during a storm.
- Update your asthma action plan: Maintain current information and keep it handy, especially during high pollen seasons.
- Know where your inhaler is: Keep your asthma medications, rescue inhalers, or nebulizers handy.
Thunderstorm asthma and climate change
Climate change and extreme weather events, including thunderstorms, are an increasing threat to global respiratory health. Events, such as wildfires, floods, hurricanes, heat waves, or tornadoes, are associated with increased pollen production, mold infestation, and poor air quality.
They are also linked to increases in hospitalizations for asthma and other respiratory challenges. The increased frequency of these severe climate events could overburden healthcare settings and increase poor asthma outcomes.
What is Thunderstorm Asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma refers to asthma attacks that occur due to environmental changes caused by thunderstorms. These storms can lead to a sudden increase in asthma cases within a specific area. The phenomenon is primarily triggered by high amounts of pollen and mold spores that become airborne during a storm, affecting those with asthma or allergic sensitivities.
How are thunderstorms connected to asthma attacks?
Thunderstorms can cause asthma attacks through a combination of factors. During a storm, strong winds and electrical activity can break down pollen grains into smaller particles. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs. Additionally, storm winds distribute dust, mold, and pollen widely across the region, significantly enhancing exposure for individuals sensitive to these allergens, potentially triggering asthma attacks.
What are the symptoms of Thunderstorm Asthma?
The symptoms of thunderstorm asthma are similar to those of regular asthma attacks, and they include:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Persistent coughing
- Difficulty breathing
These symptoms can become severe very quickly, especially during or after a thunderstorm, for those who are sensitive to airborne allergens.
Who is at risk of experiencing Thunderstorm Asthma?
Those most at risk include:
- Individuals with a history of asthma or respiratory issues
- People with hay fever or other allergic conditions
- Those sensitive to pollen or mold spores
- Individuals who have poorly controlled asthma
Even those who might not typically experience asthma symptoms can be affected under specific storm conditions if they have underlying allergies.
How can someone prepare for a thunderstorm if they have asthma?
Preparation involves several proactive steps, such as:
- Keeping up-to-date on weather forecasts, especially in the allergy season.
- Staying indoors with windows closed during thunderstorms.
- Using air purifiers to minimize airborne pollen indoors.
- Having an asthma action plan ready, including medication and emergency contacts.
- Ensuring that preventive and rescue inhalers are readily available and not expired.
What should you do if experiencing an asthma attack during a thunderstorm?
If you experience an asthma attack during a thunderstorm, take the following steps:
- Use your rescue inhaler immediately, following your asthma action plan.
- Stay calm and breathe slowly and deeply.
- Seek medical help if symptoms do not improve promptly.
- If possible, shelter indoors and reduce exposure to outside air.
What treatments are available for Thunderstorm Asthma?
Treatment for thunderstorm asthma is similar to regular asthma management and includes:
- Bronchodilators, often in the form of rescue inhalers, to relieve acute symptoms.
- Long-term control medications like inhaled corticosteroids for those with persistent asthma.
- Allergy treatments, such as antihistamines, to reduce sensitivity to allergens.
- Medical advice and personalized action plans from healthcare providers.
Can Thunderstorm Asthma be prevented?
Though it may not be entirely preventable, risk reduction strategies include:
- Regularly checking pollen counts and staying indoors when they are high.
- Keeping medications on hand to address symptoms quickly.
- Employing allergen barriers or filters at home.
- Working with healthcare providers to better control existing asthma and allergy conditions throughout the year.
Awareness and proactive management significantly help minimize the impact of thunderstorm asthma.
Takeaway
Thunderstorm asthma is a rare, but potentially dramatic, outcome of an extreme weather event. Increased allergens in the air during a thunderstorm could trigger an asthma attack, especially for people with allergic asthma.
Having an updated asthma action plan, knowing where your rescue inhalers are, and watching the weather for any upcoming changes could help prevent an asthma episode during a thunderstorm. If you experience severe allergies or allergic asthma, tracking the daily pollen count can also help you understand your symptoms.
This is such an informative post! I had no idea that thunderstorms could trigger asthma symptoms. Understanding the connection between weather events and respiratory health is crucial, especially for those with asthma. Thanks for sharing the symptoms to watch out for and potential treatments. It’s great to be more prepared and informed.