Is Thunderstorm Asthma a Real Thing?

“Thunderstorm asthma” is thought to be triggered by the combination of wind, humidity, and lightning, which ruptures grass pollen and mold spores and breaks them into aerosolized particles. Such particles could cause asthma symptoms and exacerbations. Following a thunderstorm in 2016 in Melbourne, Australia, 3400 excess asthma emergency department visits and 10 asthma fatalities were recorded.

Researchers in Australia studied 228 patients with allergic rhinitis and self-reported thunderstorm asthma. Sensitivity to rye grass pollen, lower lung function, peripheral eosinophilia >300/µL, high fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels, and worse asthma control scores all were associated with thunderstorm asthma. Grass pollen allergy and forced expi…