Out of breath during thunderstorms?
The mechanisms behind thunderstorm asthma are not well established as it is caused by a combination of many factors. However, thunderstorms are known to have a marked effect on pollens, fungal spores, as well as dust and smoke particles. Although representing a small proportion of airborne particles present in the atmosphere,
pollen grains can be causative agents of allergic respiratory responses in individuals who are allergic to pollens. Some grass allergen (for example, ryegrass allergen) is located on the surface of starch granules within pollen grains. A single pollen grain contains up to 700 starch granules of 0.6 to 2.5 um (small enough to reach the lower airways in the lung). When it rains or is humid, pollen grains can absorb moisture and burst, releasing hundreds of small allergenic particles that can penetrate deep into the small airways of the lung. It is also thought that an increased release of fungal spores may occur after a thunderstorm or heavy rainfall, thereby precipitating asthma.
Inference of a case study
According to a study, based on the asthma epidemic, which occurred in London on 24 and 25 June 1994 after a thunderstorm, it was noted that lightning strikes, rainfall, drop in air temperature, air pressure, and humidity seemed to be related to the onset of the asthma epidemic.
This is what scientists found about thunderstorm-associated asthma:
- A link exists between asthma epidemics and thunderstorm.
- Epidemics related to thunderstorm are dependent on seasons when there are high atmospheric concentrations of airborne allergenic pollens.
- The start of the thunderstorm has a close temporal association with the onset of epidemics.
- Subjects with pollen allergy, who stay indoors with closed windows during thunderstorm, are not usually affected.
- Subjects who are not under correct anti-asthma treatment are at a major risk whilst subjects with allergic rhinitis and those without previous asthma can experience severe broncho-constriction (constriction of the bronchial air passages).
Prevention is better than cure
Precautions to take in the event of a thunderstorm:
- Watch out and listen closely for weather reports.
- Be aware that thunderstorms could trigger your asthma.
- Increase your preventer inhaler, in consultation with your doctor or nurse, and seek medical attention if you experience an extreme attack.
- Keep a close eye on your condition either by taking regular peak flow readings or recording your symptoms.
- Learn to use your medication correctly. Request your doctor to teach you to use the inhaler. This is important because sufficient medication must reach the airways in order to alleviate the symptoms.
- Keep your house clean. Some kinds of bacteria present in household dust are known to induce asthma. It is particularly dangerous if these bacteria are present in the bedroom. The bacteria will be found where dust mites are present. So take care to remove all breeding places for these mites, such as carpets and any non-essential soft furnishings. The bedroom floor should be cleaned regularly using a good anti-bacterial soap. Use dust-proof pillow and mattress covers. Regularly wash pillows and sheets in hot water.
- Smoking is a big no-no. Don’t allow others to smoke around you either. Smoking inside your room should be completely disallowed.
- High humidity levels encourage bacteria growth which can cause asthma attacks. Maintain humidity in the 30 to 50 percent range. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms. If specific areas (like the basement) have high humidity, make use of dehumidifiers.
- Regular exercise and swimming is generally an excellent form of exercise for asthmatics.
- Gases and particles from combustion can cause asthma problems. Check all stoves, heaters and furnaces at least once a year. When they are in use, furnace filters may need changing every month. There are high efficiency filters available that can significantly reduce the amount of particles getting into the air.
- Many asthmatics are allergic to pollen. If that’s you, try to avoid the outdoors as much as possible during pollen season. Use air conditioning indoors. Covering your nose and mouth with a scarf can help cut down on pollen intake as well as reduce chances of asthma attacks triggered by cold air.
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