Doctors warn of 'thunderstorm asthma' affecting children

Doctors in Timișoara are raising awareness about "thunderstorm asthma," a condition that can trigger severe respiratory distress in children, even those without a previous asthma diagnosis. The phenomenon, characterized by intense coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath during summer storms, is often overlooked and underreported in Romania, where specific statistics are lacking.

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The child arrives at the emergency room with breathing difficulties, and the case is registered as an asthma attack, a bronchospasm episode, or an allergic reaction. The connection with the storm and the high concentration of pollen often goes unnoticed.

The condition arises not from a distinct disease but from an acute respiratory reaction caused by a confluence of factors during storms. High concentrations of pollen, often found in upper atmospheric layers, are brought down by strong air currents. As humidity increases, these pollen particles absorb water and break into smaller fragments. Unlike whole pollen grains, which are typically filtered by the nose and throat, these tiny fragments can penetrate deep into the airways, reaching the bronchi. This can lead to inflammation and narrowing of the airways, precipitating an asthma-like crisis.

While rain usually offers relief to allergy sufferers by clearing pollen, severe summer storms can have the opposite effect. The fragmented pollen particles, once inhaled, can trigger symptoms in children with allergic asthma, particularly if their condition is not well-controlled. Alarmingly, children with pollen allergies who have never been diagnosed with asthma can also experience severe respiratory symptoms for the first time during these events.

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In the case of strong summer storms, the effect can be the exact opposite. Air currents bring large quantities of pollen from the upper layers of the atmosphere down to the ground. Due to humidity, pollen particles absorb water and break into extremely small fragments. If whole particles are often stopped in the nose and throat, the resulting fragments can penetrate deep into the airways and reach the bronchi.

Medical professionals advise parents of allergic children to keep windows closed during storms and ensure children remain indoors. It is crucial for children to adhere to their prescribed treatment plans and have necessary medication readily available for worsening symptoms. The recommendation emphasizes consistent management of underlying allergies or asthma to mitigate the risk of severe reactions during these specific weather events.

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When a storm is forecast, the recommendation for parents of children allergic to pollen or diagnosed with asthma is to close the windows and keep the little ones indoors.