March 24, 2026
Thunderstorms get blamed for many maladies – sore joints, headaches and even kidney stones. But it’s also been scientifically proven that they can be responsible for asthma attacks.
Physicians from The University of Kansas Medical School and The University of Kansas Health System studied the relationship between thunderstorms and asthma-related visits to emergency departments in Wichita, Kansas. They found there are 6 times more visits on storm days.
This is a phenomenon that has been recognized internationally. The World Allergy Organization has acknowledged that thunderstorms are a risk factor for asthma attacks in patients with pollen allergies. It’s called thunderstorm-related asthma exacerbation.
How does a thunderstorm trigger an asthma attack?
Selina Gierer, DO, a pediatric allergist at The University of Kansas Health System, says it happens when airborne allergens become concentrated at ground level because of the storm.
“Direct damage to the grass pollen from falling rain can actually shatter those pollen and mold spores and make them smaller,” says Dr. Gierer. “Those smaller particles can reach the lower airways and, in patients who are sensitive with allergies and asthma, it can cause inflammation that drives a potentially severe asthma attack.”
What symptoms does this cause?
Generally, asthma patients experience cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath as symptoms triggered by a thunderstorm.
Will every storm have the potential for an asthma attack?
Probably not. In fact, in some years thunderstorms may be more – or less – likely to trigger an asthma attack. Dr. Gierer says it isn’t well understood why these differences occur.
“It could be a cycle of humidity, wetting and drying of the grasses, along with the wind disturbances that aerosolize into the air and are inhaled by those patients who are sensitive,” says Dr. Gierer.
When is this most likely to happen?
For the Midwest, April through June or July is the most likely period for thunderstorms to affect asthma. This is when grass pollen is highest. Other forms of pollen don’t appear to have the same dramatic effect on asthma symptoms.
How long will a thunderstorm affect asthma symptoms?
Someone with asthma might still experience worse symptoms for the day following a thunderstorm.
Is there anything to do to prevent thunderstorm-related asthma attacks?
The first step is to talk to your doctor. Update your asthma action plan to identify potential triggers and treatments. It may be helpful to increase your medication before a storm.
It’s recommended to keep rescue medications readily available to you, or your child, when there’s a thunderstorm. If possible, you can also stay inside more on the day of a thunderstorm and the day following one to limit exposure to those smaller pollen particles.
Learn more about allergy and asthma treatment at The University of Kansas Health System.