Thunderstorm Asthma

On Monday 21 November, 2016, severe thunderstorms hit Melbourne and more than 2,000 people
suffered breathing problems when a severe storm combined with an extreme pollen count to cause what is being described as thunderstorm asthma.

The recent severe thunderstorm in Melbourne caused hospitals across the city to be put on emergency alert as thousands of people called ambulance services, reporting severe breathing difficulties.
Emergency departments were overwhelmed, with the patient overflow having to be directed to day units.  Six people have died.

Not fully understood by scientists, thunderstorm asthma can cause laboured breathing for those with asthma and with allergies — including some who have never had breathing difficulties before.
When pollen granules come into contact with water, starch granules are released that are small enough to be breathed into the airways, causing allergic rhinitis and asthma in some people.