thunderstorm triggered asthma

What is Thunderstorm Triggered Asthma?

Thunderstorm triggered asthma, also known as thunderstorm asthma or TA, is a rare but severe form of asthma that occurs when a combination of grass pollen and thunderstorm conditions trigger an asthma attack. This phenomenon can affect anyone with asthma, but it most often affects people who have pre-existing respiratory issues.

Causes and Triggers

The exact mechanism behind thunderstorm triggered asthma is not fully understood, but research suggests that the following factors contribute to its occurrence:

• High grass pollen counts in the air
• Severe thunderstorms with strong winds and heavy rainfall
• A mixture of pollens, weather conditions, and rain that can trigger severe asthma symptoms [7]

Symptoms

The symptoms of thunderstorm triggered asthma are similar to those experienced during a regular asthma attack. They include:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness or feeling of constriction
• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• A feeling of tightness in the chest [6]

Prevention and Management

While there is no specific treatment for thunderstorm triggered asthma, people with pre-existing respiratory issues can take steps to minimize their risk. These include:

• Monitoring pollen counts and weather forecasts
• Avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen hours or severe thunderstorms
• Using medication as prescribed by a healthcare professional

References:

1. Thunderstorm asthma is an attack that starts or worsens after a thunderstorm. It can occur in anyone with asthma, but it most often affects ... [1]
2. A recent study looked at the rare phenomenon called "thunderstorm asthma," and under the right conditions, a thunderstorm can actually trigger ... [2]
3. Thunderstorm asthma is asthma triggered by a mixture of grass pollen in the air and thunderstorm conditions. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest ... [3]
4. Thunderstorm asthma occurs when grass pollen counts are high and a severe thunderstorm triggers an asthma attack or symptoms of asthma. [4]
5. Thunderstorms can trigger your asthma, causing asthma attacks and making symptoms like breathlessness, wheezing and coughing worse. [5]
6. a feeling of tightness in the chest; a persistent cough. These symptoms mean that a person's lungs (lower airways) are affected. Asthma symptoms come and go ... [6]
7. 'Thunderstorm asthma' is a potent mix of pollens, weather conditions and rain that can trigger severe asthma symptoms. [7]
8. Thunderstorm-triggered asthma (TA) is the occurrence of acute asthma attacks immediately following a thunderstorm. [8]

Symptoms of Thunderstorm Triggered Asthma

Thunderstorm triggered asthma, also known as storm asthma, is a phenomenon where severe weather conditions trigger asthma symptoms in people with pre-existing asthma or seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). The symptoms can be similar to those experienced during a sudden asthma attack.

• Chest tightness: A feeling of constriction or pressure in the chest, which can be uncomfortable and even painful [3].
• Wheezing: A high-pitched sound coming from the chest while breathing, indicating airway constriction [1][2].
• Breathlessness: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded, even when sitting still or engaging in light physical activity [3].
• Coughing: A persistent and often severe cough, which can be dry or produce mucus [5].

These symptoms can escalate rapidly and may require immediate medical attention. It's essential for individuals with asthma to recognize these signs and take necessary precautions during thunderstorms.

Additional Information

Thunderstorm triggered asthma is most commonly associated with people who have seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and pre-existing asthma. The exact mechanism behind this phenomenon is not fully understood, but it's believed that the combination of pollen, dust, and other airborne particles in severe weather conditions can trigger an asthma attack [8].

If you experience any of these symptoms during a thunderstorm, seek medical attention immediately.

Thunderstorm-triggered asthma (TA) can be challenging to diagnose, but several diagnostic tests can help confirm its presence. Here are some of the key diagnostic tests for TA:

• Spirometry: This is a common breathing test that measures lung function and can help diagnose asthma. Spirometry can also be used to monitor the severity of TA symptoms.
• Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing: FeNO testing is a quick and easy way to diagnose and manage asthma, including TA. It measures the level of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, which can indicate airway inflammation.
• Allergy testing: Allergy testing may also be helpful in diagnosing TA, particularly if you have symptoms during pollen seasons or after exposure to specific allergens.

According to [3], diagnostic breathing tests like spirometry and FeNO are common ways for doctors to confirm an asthma diagnosis in older children and adults. Additionally, allergy testing may also be helpful in identifying the specific allergen that triggers TA symptoms.

It's worth noting that epidemic thunderstorm asthma events are thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm [8]. Therefore, diagnosing TA requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account individual factors, such as sensitization to specific allergens, allergic rhinitis, or exposure to high pollen counts.

References:

[3] Diagnostic breathing tests, like spirometry and FeNO, are common ways for doctors to confirm an asthma diagnosis in older children and adults. [8] Epidemic thunderstorm asthma events are thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm.

Thunderstorm-triggered asthma, also known as thunderstorm asthma attack, is a severe and sudden onset of asthma symptoms triggered by exposure to high levels of pollen during a thunderstorm. In terms of drug treatment, the approach is similar to that for allergic asthma attacks.

Medications for Thunderstorm-Triggered Asthma Attacks

• Reliever medications such as salbutamol (also known as your 'blue/grey puffer') are commonly used to help relieve symptoms during an asthma attack. These medications can be purchased over the counter in Australia and should be carried with you at all times.
• Inhaled corticosteroids, which are a type of preventer medication, can also be effective in helping to protect people from severe asthma attacks triggered by thunderstorms. These medications work by reducing inflammation in the airways and can help to prevent symptoms from occurring in the first place.

Optimizing Asthma Control

• Basic treatments for thunderstorm-triggered asthma include optimizing asthma control and adherence to inhaled corticosteroid therapy, treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), and education regarding thunderstorm asthma (TA) [5].
• It's essential to work closely with your doctor to ensure that you're taking the right medications at the right time to effectively manage your symptoms.

Preventer Medications

• If you're prescribed a preventer medication, it's crucial to use it every day, especially when pollen counts are high or thunderstorms are predicted [9].
• Preventer medications can help reduce inflammation in the airways and make symptoms less severe over time.

Thunderstorm-triggered asthma, also known as epidemic thunderstorm asthma, is a rare but severe form of asthma that occurs when a thunderstorm triggers an asthma attack or symptoms in individuals with pre-existing asthma.

Key factors to consider for differential diagnosis:

• High pollen count: Thunderstorm-triggered asthma typically occurs during pollen seasons, particularly when grass pollen counts are high [1].
• Severe thunderstorm: The storm must be severe enough to concentrate air particles, such as pollen and mold spores, in the air, which can then trigger an asthma attack [4].
• Sudden onset of symptoms: Symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, and coughing occur suddenly and often require emergency medical treatment [1].

Differential diagnosis from other conditions:

• Asthma attacks triggered by other causes: The symptoms and treatment of epidemic thunderstorm asthma are essentially the same as those for asthma triggered by other causes [8].
• Other respiratory conditions: Differential diagnosis should also consider other respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or bronchitis.

Key symptoms to look out for:

• Wheeze: Wheezing is a common symptom of thunderstorm-triggered asthma [7].
• Chest tightness: Chest tightness and difficulty breathing are also characteristic symptoms [7].
• Cough: A cough can be a symptom, particularly if it is accompanied by wheezing or chest tightness [10].

Important considerations:

• Emergency medical treatment: Thunderstorm-triggered asthma often requires emergency medical treatment due to the sudden onset of severe symptoms [1].
• Pre-existing asthma: Individuals with pre-existing asthma are at risk for thunderstorm-triggered asthma, particularly during pollen seasons [2].

References:

[1] NS Harun (2019) - Symptoms such as breathlessness, cough or wheeze occur suddenly in such patients due to bronchospasm and often require emergency medical treatment via a general practitioner.

[2] G D'Amato (2021) - Thunderstorm-triggered asthma can be defined as the occurrence of acute asthma attacks immediately following a thunderstorm during pollen seasons.

[4] Jun 22, 2022 - But thunderstorms can make asthma worse because of a unique sequence of events: Cold downdrafts concentrate air particles, such as pollen and mold spores, in the air, which can then trigger an asthma attack.

[7] Aug 2, 2024 - Thunderstorm asthma symptoms will be similar to symptoms of a sudden asthma attack and include: chest tightness. wheezing.

[8] Symptoms and treatment of epidemic thunderstorm asthma are essentially the same as asthma triggered by other causes. Recognising asthma symptoms. An error ...

[10] Oct 18, 2022 - Symptoms associated with thunderstorm asthma include wheeze, chest tightness, difficulty breathing and cough. The symptoms can escalate very quickly.