THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA

For many, stormy weather can be exciting or relaxing, but for others it can trigger stress, anxiety, panic attacks, or asthma attacks. Known as thunderstorm asthma, it can affect anyone in rural or urban areas and usually occurs in the spring or summer when the air is thick with pollen and the weather is stormy, dry, and hot. Thunderstorm weather causes pollen molecules to explode into even tinier fragments, which, once dispersed by the wind, can travel deeper into the lungs than larger original pieces, possibly triggering asthma attacks. Prescription nasal sprays, including Nasonex and Rhinocort, which are commonly used to treat hay fever, can help prevent thunderstorm asthma, as can keeping close track of pollen counts and weather reports.

P.S Although thunderstorm asthma is far more likely to affect those with hay fever, it can cause asthma attacks in people who have never had asthma before.

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