Thunderstorm asthma can occur when heavy storms uplift pollen or spores, causing them to explode into smaller grains. Climate change is increasing pollen levels, making thunderstorm asthma events more common and severe. Those with allergies, hay fever, or asthma are at risk. Minimize risk by monitoring pollen levels, staying indoors during storms, and using medications. Thunderstorm asthma can affect entire communities, overwhelming healthcare resources. Climate change may shift which regions experience the most storms. More research is needed to prepare for this public health threat. People with asthma triggered by pollen or mold spores are particularly vulnerable. Other climate change-related asthma triggers include wildfires and seasonal weather changes.
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