What is thunderstorm asthma, and what causes it?
The issue was first reported in 1983 and has returned to the fore after the Met Office predicted thundery weather
Showery weather and thunderstorms are forecast for early in the week
/ Getty Imageshunderstorms are predicted in the UK this week. The Met Office predicts that weather will be “showery, with some thunderstorms" and occasional “spells of warm sunshine" on Monday and Tuesday.
It also means that over the next few days if you have asthma or hay fever you might find that your symptoms are triggered or worsened by the weather. This is known as thunderstorm asthma.
What is thunderstorm asthma?
According to Allergy UK: “Thunderstorm asthma is caused by high winds drawing higher levels of pollens and pollution particles into the air.
“When the pollen granules come into contact with water the pollen breaks down into smaller particles that are released into the air. These particles are so small that when they are breathed in through the nose and mouth they can get deeper down into the smaller airways in the lungs and trigger asthma symptoms. Some airborne allergens involved in thunderstorm asthma are grass and tree pollens and mould spores.”
In June 2022, UKHSA’s Real-time Syndromic Surveillance system detected a potential episode of thunderstorm asthma, after an increase in people reporting asthma symptoms linked to thunderstorm activity.
There have been reported links between thunderstorm activity and an increase of asthma symptoms and people seeking medical attention for their breathing since 1983.
What is the difference between asthma and thunderstorm asthma?
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is when a large number of people develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time.
Those who have asthma or hay fever can get severe asthma symptoms during grass pollen season when high amounts of grass pollen in the air combine with a certain type of thunderstorm.
What are the symptoms of thunderstorm asthma?
Symptoms associated with thunderstorm asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing and coughing. The symptoms can escalate very quickly and may become life threatening.
Though data is limited, young adults below 30 seem to be more affected. Data shows that certain people are at greater risk of experiencing thunderstorm asthma.
These include those who have:
- previously been diagnosed with asthma – particularly those whose asthma is poorly controlled or who do not regularly take medication
- asthma, but this has not been formally diagnosed at the time of the thunderstorm asthma episode
- seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
How should people experiencing symptoms deal with this?
During stormy weather, these are the recommendations for people with hay fever or asthma.
- If you can, stay indoors before, during and after the storm and try to keep the windows closed.
- If outdoors wear a mask to reduce your pollen exposure.
- Avoid any triggers that you think may make your asthma symptoms worse (eg, exercise or alcohol).
- Take your usual medication (such as long-acting and non-sedating antihistamine) – even if you don’t yet feel symptoms worsening. If you’re not sure what medicine will help you, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
- Keep a reliever inhaler with you.
- Have an asthma action plan that can help identify when asthma is deteriorating. This can act as a warning sign to step up medication and understand how to treat an asthma attack.
- If you have never had a diagnosis of asthma but feel very tight in the chest and have difficulty breathing seek urgent medical advice.