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 to understand why this health issue is also preceded by severe weather. Here is what you need to know.
What to Know About Thunderstorm Induced Asthma
The concept of "thunderstorm asthma" was first identified in the 1980s by researchers in England and Australia. The term is used to describe asthmatic attacks that begin or are made worse when storms erupt.
What was initially confusing to scientists is that rain typically works to wash away triggering particles in the air while also lowering pollen counts.