Thunderstorm asthma refers to acute asthma attacks triggered by specific weather events, typically thunderstorms, in individuals sensitized to airborne allergens like pollen. Over the past 40 years, isolated cases and large-scale outbreaks have been documented across continents, including Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. These events are driven by a combination of meteorological conditions and high aeroallergen concentrations, which can fragment pollen into smaller particles that penetrate deeper into the lungs. Climate change is believed to exacerbate this phenomenon by lengthening pollen seasons, increasing pollen potency, and contributing to more frequent extreme weather events.
Population-level differences in thunderstorm asthma susceptibility, particularly among certain ethnic groups, suggest a gene-environment interaction. This clinical commentary reviews the evolving epidemiology of thunderstorm asthma, explores the roles of aerobiology and climate change, and highlights key risk factors for emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and fatalities. It also outlines current research into predictive tools and recommends public health strategies to manage and reduce the risk of thunderstorm asthma events, especially among vulnerable populations.
Reference: Thien F, Davies JM, Douglass JA, et al. Thunderstorm Asthma: Current Perspectives and Emerging Trends. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2025 Jun;13(6):1273-1280. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2025.04.001. Epub 2025 Apr 6. PMID: 40199421.
