The Editors ’ Choice

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma (TA) can have catastrophic effects. While reported world-wide, the most severe event ever recorded was in Melbourne, Australia, in 2016, resulting in over 3400 excess emergency asthma presentations and 10 deaths. Established risk factors for thunderstorm asthma are seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) with specific allergy to ryegrass pollen. However, seasonal allergic rhinitis affects over 20% of people in Melbourne, so this information does not enable targeting of preventive strategies.
Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: The Editors ’ choice Source Type: research