The mechanism and prevention strategies of thunderstorm asthma

Thunderstorm asthma is an acute respiratory disease triggered by specific meteorological conditions, characterized by concentrated outbreaks of asthma-like symptoms during or shortly after thunderstorm weather. In recent years, with the intensification of global climate change and the acceleration of urbanization, the frequency and severity of thunderstorm asthma events have significantly increased, becoming a global public health issue. The thunderstorm asthma event in Melbourne, Australia, in 2016 resulted in over 10000 emergency visits and 10 deaths, revealing the catastrophic consequences of the disease. Thunderstorm asthma events have been reported in different regions around the world, with an increasing number of affected individuals and catastrophic consequences for patients. At present, most scholars believe that during thunderstorm weather, intact pollen particles in the air are swept into the clouds by rising air currents. These pollen particles rupture under osmotic shock and lightning activity, releasing thousands of pollen fragments. At the same time, under the influence of meteorological factors such as air pollution, atmospheric pressure, and climate change, the allergenicity of pollen grains can be enhanced. These particles can disperse with strong winds, exposing pollen allergy patients to high concentrations of pollen or its released particles in a short period, causing bronchospasm. However, the mechanism of thunderstorm asthma is still mainly based on hypotheses and lacks conclusive evidence, which poses a huge challenge to prevention and treatment. This article focuses on the impact of thunderstorm weather, pollen concentration, susceptible populations, climate, and environmental factors on the occurrence of thunderstorm asthma, as well as their possible mechanisms, and puts forward one’s insights. There is currently no effective response strategy for thunderstorm asthma. The establishment of an early warning system can effectively prevent the occurrence of thunderstorm asthma and reduce the medical burden. Due to differences in geographical location and climate environment, suitable response strategies should be established for different regions. The establishment of early warning systems requires collaboration among multiple departments, including government, and health departments, as well as landscaping and meteorology. The government departments formulate corresponding strategies, the meteorological department provides pollen concentration and meteorological information, the landscaping department strengthens environmental governance and vegetation optimization, medical institutions establish response plans and educate susceptible populations, health and disease control departments issue warning information, and the media should also strengthen publicity and reporting. Understanding the influencing factors and mechanisms of thunderstorm asthma is crucial for the successful construction of an early warning system.