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Thunderstorm asthma: revealing a hidden at-risk population
Daniel Clayton-Chubb1, Danny Con1, Kanishka Rangamuwa1
1Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Internal Medicine Journal
|March 25, 2018
Summary
Many healthcare workers experienced epidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) symptoms in Melbourne without seeking medical help. Allergic rhinitis and Asian ethnicity were key predictors of these ETSA-like symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Respiratory Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Epidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) involves widespread acute bronchospasm during thunderstorms.
- The 2016 Melbourne event caused over 3500 hospitalizations and 10 deaths.
- Previous research focused on emergency department visits, neglecting milder symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the respiratory symptoms experienced by healthcare workers during the 2016 Melbourne ETSA event.
- To identify risk factors for developing ETSA-like symptoms in this population.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to approximately 9000 staff and volunteers at Eastern Health.
- Anonymous questionnaires assessed relevant diagnoses, symptoms, and demographics.
- Data from 515 respondents (6% response rate) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 25.6% of participants reported ETSA-like symptoms, with most not seeking medical care.
- Allergic rhinitis (73.5%) and asthma (43.9%) were common among symptomatic individuals.
- Predictors included allergic rhinitis (OR 2.77), asthma history (OR 1.67), and Asian ethnicity (OR 3.24).
Conclusions:
- A significant, previously unrecognized population experienced ETSA symptoms without medical attention.
- This suggests a hidden susceptible population with potential public health implications.
- Further research is needed to determine the general population's vulnerability.
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