Two consecutive thunderstorm associated epidemics of asthma in the city of Melbourne The possible role of rye grass pollen

Thunderstorm asthma: controlling (deadly) grass pollen allergy

“…Quantitative measurement of wheal size and specific serum IgE concentrations in response to grass pollen might identify patients at higher risk of thunderstorm asthma,45 as may the degree of airway inflammation indicated by exhaled nitric oxide 6. Molecular component resolved diagnosis may also enhance identification of people vulnerable to thunderstorm asthma.…”

“…Molecular component resolved diagnosis may also enhance identification of people vulnerable to thunderstorm asthma. Under the weather conditions of epidemic thunderstorm asthma, grass pollen grains rupture to release ryegrass group 5 allergen (Lol p 5) in pollen starch granules that are small enough to be respired and penetrate deeply into the lower airways 47. Measurement of specific IgE to key locally relevant pollen allergen components (including ryegrass group 5 allergen) could predict manifestation and severity of thunderstorm asthma 3…”

Asthma associated with thunderstorms

“…This phenomenon was recognised over a decade ago in Britain5 and has been reported as a recurrent seasonal phenomenon in Australian studies 6. These studies have consistently suggested that this phenomenon occurs in late spring, is associated with thunderstorms or a drop in temperature, and is followed by a rapid increase in attendance with asthma at hospitals or in general practice.…”

“…Packe reported that increases in airborne fungal spores (Didymella and Sporabolomyces spp) might act as a trigger 5. Recent studies have shown strong associations with rye grass pollen and have described a mechanism whereby allergenic starch particles may be released from rye grass, triggered by the atmospheric changes preceding and during thunderstorms 6 7…”

“…Earlier reports of this epidemic suggested that it occurred across southern England 8 9 10. Some observers speculated that this epidemic might be related to air pollution,9 although all previous studies that have measured air pollution during thunderstorm related epidemics of asthma have found it to be normal for the time of day and month of the year 5 6…”