A massive asthma outbreak caused by spread of tiny pollen particles across the city due to last week’s thunderstorm has triggered a rare medical condition known as thunderstorm asthma.
Six people have lost their lives along with five more on life support in critical condition a week after heavy winds and rain lashed parts of Australia especially Melbourne. Since then, more than 8000 people have been treated at infirmaries with asthma and straw fever problems. Off lately, another 12 are in hospital fighting a diversity of breathing and linked situations.
The main reason for this medical emergency is the wet rye pollen grass. The experts defines that when rye grass pollen becomes wet, it breaks into smaller pieces and enters people's lungs and bronchial tubes, causing them to become swollen, filled with mucus, thereby making it difficult for people to respire. Mainly people with hay fever are more at risk. Hence, it is advisable by the medical authority of the state to the people to manage their hay fever.
The thunderstorm asthma is nothing but a hazardous culmination of pollens, weather conditions and rain which causes asthma symptoms. However, paramedical facilities are been continuously provided to the people affected.
The world's first recorded thunderstorm asthma event can be traced back to the year in 1987 in Melbourne. Although, alike medical emergencies have occurred in some other countries like the United States, Canada, Britain and Italy as well. The last major event in Melbourne was in November 2010.
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