Thunderstorm asthma is a distinct type of asthma exacerbation provoked by extreme thunderstorm conditions and a mixture of grass pollen in the air. This condition is marked by asthma attacks that happen during or shortly after thunderstorms, affecting individuals with asthma and those who have not experienced asthma before. The phenomenon arises from a combination of atmospheric factors and environmental allergens, causing acute breathing difficulties.
In 2016, a serious thunderstorm asthma epidemic was triggered in Melbourne when very high pollen counts coincided with adverse meteorological conditions, resulting in thousands of people presenting at hospital emergency departments over a few days.
What are the symptoms of thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma has the following symptoms:- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or a high-pitched whistling sound during exhalation
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Faster or more laboured breathing
What is the difference between asthma and thunderstorm asthma?
Asthma and thunderstorm asthma are related but separate conditions:1. Definition:
- Asthma: It is a chronic respiratory condition marked by swelling and narrowing of the air passages, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest.
- Thunderstorm asthma: It is a subtype of acute asthma occurring in severe thunderstorm conditions and triggered by environmental allergens such as pollen.
2. Triggers:
- Asthma: can be triggered by several factors including respiratory infections, smoke, allergens, exercise, and environmental pollutants.
- Thunderstorm asthma: is triggered by elevated allergen levels being broken down into fine particles and inhaled due to vigorous winds, precipitation, and atmospheric changes associated with thunderstorms.
Who gets thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma can impact individuals of any age, but those who are more at risk include:- People with existing asthma
- People with undiagnosed asthma
- Individuals who are allergic to pollen or other environmental allergens
- People with hay fever and other atopic conditions
Can I prevent thunderstorm asthma?
You may take steps to prevent thunderstorm asthma, especially if you have a history of asthma or hay fever or are sensitive to allergens like pollen or mold spores. Here are some strategies:- Stay indoors during a thunderstorm: Avoid going outside before or during thunderstorms, especially on pollen-heavy days. During thunderstorms, the mix of wind and rain can break down pollen into tiny particles that are more easily swallowed.
- Close the windows and doors: Keep windows and doors closed, especially if you're indoors during a storm, to reduce your exposure to allergies caused by the weather.
- Monitor pollen counts: Monitor daily pollen counts and avoid outside activities when pollen levels are high. Thunderstorm asthma is frequently induced by grass pollen, therefore exercise caution during the grass pollen season.
- Use an air purifier: An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help minimise indoor allergens including pollen and dust particles.
- Take preventive medication: If you have asthma or severe allergies, talk to your doctor about preventative medications such as antihistamines and inhalers. These can help minimise the chance of an asthma attack during high-risk seasons.
- See your doctor for an asthma review: Ensure that your asthma is well managed. Take your prescription asthma medications as directed and carry a reliever inhaler during pollen season or before thunderstorms.
How to protect yourself this pollen season?
Taking precautions during pollen season is critical, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Here are some useful suggestions for reducing exposure and managing symptoms:- Monitor pollen counts: Keep an eye on daily pollen forecasts via weather apps, websites, or news sources. Plan outside activities when pollen concentrations are low, generally early in the morning or after a shower.
- Stay inside during peak pollen times: Pollen counts are usually maximum in the late morning and early afternoon. Limit your outside activities during these hours, especially on dry, windy days.
- Keep the windows and doors closed: Close your windows and doors to keep pollen out, especially during high pollen seasons. Instead of opening your windows, use air conditioning to circulate the air.
- Shower and change clothes after being outside: Pollen can stick to your skin, hair, and clothes. After spending time outdoors, shower, wash your hair, and change into clean clothes to avoid spreading pollen indoors.
- Regularly wash your bedding: The pollen may accumulate on the bedding. To eliminate allergies, wash your linens, pillows, and blankets often with hot water.
- Wear sunglasses and hats: Wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat helps shield your eyes and face from airborne pollen.
- Limit pet exposure to pollen: Pets can carry pollen in their fur. To prevent pollen from spreading throughout your home, wipe off your dogs with a wet towel after they've been outside.
- Dry laundry indoors: Avoid drying clothes or bedding outside during pollen season, since they might collect pollen from the air.
When to call the doctor?
Consult a doctor if your allergy or asthma symptoms increase after using over-the-counter medications, or if you have trouble breathing, persistent coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness. Swelling, hives, or a spreading rash may suggest a serious allergic response. Furthermore, if your symptoms interfere with everyday activities, and sleep, or last beyond pollen season, a doctor can help you modify your treatment strategy. Regular asthma episodes or increasing allergies require a visit to guarantee a suitable medication plan to prevent problems.How can an online doctor help?
An online doctor offers easy access to medical care, particularly for allergies, asthma, and other health issues. They can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose, and prescribe appropriate treatment via a virtual consultation. They can also advise you on preventative actions, modify treatment plans, and manage chronic diseases remotely. If you have persistent or severe symptoms, an online doctor can assess if you need further tests or a referral to a specialist. Virtual visits provide flexibility by allowing you to obtain professional guidance without leaving your house, which is especially useful during flare-ups or when in-person visits are difficult.
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Reference
- National Library of Medicine - reference link
- Australian Institue of Health and Welfare - reference link
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
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