Why Asthma Sufferers Are at Risk During Severe Weather Season

While thunderstorms are known for their ability to produce high winds, torrential rain, hail, and even tornadoes, these severe weather events can also trigger asthma attacks.

New findings are helping scientists better understand why this health issue is so closely linked to severe weather. Here is what you need to know.

What Is Thunderstorm Asthma?

The concept of "thunderstorm asthma" was first identified in the 1980s by researchers in England and Australia. The term describes asthmatic attacks that begin or are made worse when storms erupt.

What initially confused scientists is that rain typically works to wash away triggering particles in the air while also lowering pollen counts. So why do thunderstorms often work in the opposite way?