Thunderstorm asthma occurs when there is a combination of a high rye grass pollen count and particular thunderstorm conditions. Epidemic thunderstorm asthma events, where many people develop asthma symptoms over a short space of time, are uncommon. Whole grass-pollen grains are usually too large to enter lung airways but can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, causing hay fever. Winds created in certain thunderstorms concentrate grass pollens at ground level. Some pollens burst open releasing tiny particles (allergens) small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. These allergens can trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. Epidemic thunderstorm asthma events don’t happen every year, but can occur during grass pollen season, typically October to December.
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