Thunderstorms Can Trigger Sharp Increases In Asthma-related Emergency Department Visits

A caller study finds that thunderstorms tin trigger crisp increases successful asthma-related emergency section (ED) visits, underscoring nan value of large wind preparedness for group pinch asthma. The investigation is being presented astatine nan 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting of nan American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) successful Orlando.

"Thunderstorm asthma" is simply a well-documented biology arena internationally, but studies successful United States successful areas pinch dense pollen person been limited. According to nan World Allergy Organization, thunderstorms are considered a consequence facet for asthma attacks successful patients suffering from pollen allergy.

Researchers analyzed 4,439 asthma-related ER visits crossed 3 Wichita, KS hospitals from January 2020 to December 2024. Using meteorologic records, they identified 38 thunderstorm days during this period.

Key findings included:

• 14% of each asthma-related ER visits (627 cases) occurred connected conscionable 38 large wind days, which represented only 2% of nan almanac days successful nan study period.
• The mean number of asthma visits was astir 18 per time during thunderstorms, compared to conscionable 3 connected non-storm days.
• Older property was nan only demographic facet linked to accrued consequence of storm-related asthma ER visits. Gender, location, and whether patients were admitted aliases discharged did not importantly impact nan likelihood of visiting during a storm.

These results corroborate that thunderstorms tin airs a superior wellness consequence for group pinch asthma, moreover successful nan United States. Because storms are unpredictable, patients and healthcare providers should see storm-specific precautions successful asthma action plans."

Diala Merheb, MD, lead writer of nan study

The researchers statement that storm-related surges successful asthma cases spot a important load connected emergency departments. By recognizing nan relationship betwixt thunderstorms and asthma exacerbations, communities and healthcare systems tin create preparedness strategies to protect susceptible populations and trim strain connected hospitals.

Says allergist Selina Gierer, DO, ACAAI personnel and 1 of nan study authors, "If you aliases your kid has asthma, it's smart to deliberation astir thunderstorms nan aforesaid measurement you hole for high-pollen days aliases acold weather. "Understanding triggers and having a clear scheme tin thief debar emergency room visits."

Abstract title: Thunderstorm-Associated Increases successful Asthma ED Visits successful a Midwestern US City: A Five-Year Review 

Presenter: Diala Merheb, MD