A new study finds that thunderstorms can trigger sharp increases in asthma -related emergency department (ED) visits, underscoring the importance of storm preparedness for people with asthma. The research is being presented at the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Orlando.

“Thunderstorm asthma” is a well-documented environmental phenomenon internationally, but studies in United States in areas with heavy pollen have been limited. According to the World Allergy Organization, thunderstorms are considered a risk factor for asthma attacks in patients suffering from pollen allergy.

Researchers analyzed 4,439 asthma-related ER visits across three Wichita, KS hospitals from January 2020 to December 2024. Using meteorologic reco

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