Storm Asthma: Storms are known to cause destruction to life and property, but they are also known to cause storm asthma in certain cases, which can cause respiratory symptoms in people.
The largest event of this type occurred in 2016 in Melbourne and caused 10,000 people to be affected. It also caused around 10 deaths due to the same.
Let’s learn here about thunderstorm asthma, its causes and symptoms.
What is thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by the explosion of pollen during thunderstorms, causing breathing problems, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy eyes.
It is mainly seen in dry and dusty areas such as Australia and Kuwait. But it is not limited only to these areas, it is also seen in England, Iran, etc.
What causes thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma is caused by pollen grains bursting when they absorb moisture from the environment. When pollen bursts, it releases smaller pollen grains that can invade the respiratory system.
Due to this, respiratory symptoms are triggered which have symptoms such as wheezing, cough, itchy eyes and hay fever.
Asthma caused by thunderstorms is mainly due to the bursting of ryegrass pollen grains. Rye pollen grains can release up to 700 smaller pollen grains upon bursting.
Thunderstorm asthma: symptoms
The symptoms of storm asthma are as follows:
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in your chest
- Itchy eyes
- Wheezing when breathing
- persistent cough
The most notable factor in thunderstorm asthma is that it can occur in anyone without a history of asthma. But it has been seen that around 95% of people with a history of hay fever were more likely to suffer from thunderstorm asthma.
Who is at risk?
There is a risk for everyone to be affected by thunderstorm asthma, but the chance of being affected increases for people with the following conditions:
- People with pollen allergies, especially those who are allergic to ryegrass.
- People with existing asthma or any other respiratory condition such as cold, hay fever, COPD or COVID.
- People staying outdoors during the storm.
- People staying in areas with a lot of vegetation.
- Children who have a history of food allergies and asthma.
- People of Asian descent.
- People who are exposed to air pollution, such as factory workers and heavy metal workers.
How to avoid getting asthma from thunderstorms
The following steps can help you prevent thunderstorm asthma:
- Avoid going outdoors in heavy rain unless it is an emergency.
- Close doors and windows to prevent pollen from entering the house.
- If you have to go outside, don’t forget to take your medication with you.
- Plant non-allergenic plants in your home garden.
Conclusion
It was stormy asthma which, as we have seen, is caused by the bursting of pollen grains. The best way to prevent it is to avoid going outdoors during storms and also close the doors and windows of the house.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: ptivs2.edu.vn