[Storm during the dog days; observations with an article by Dr. W. Storm van Leeuwen from 1932]

In 1932 Storm van Leeuwen, professor of pharmacology in Leiden, together with De Lind van Wijngaarden published data on an increase of common colds in the population in general and an increase of symptoms in asthmatic patients during the period August 8-10, 1931. In asthmatics treated in 'climatized rooms' this aggravation was not observed. In this connection the authors refer to the 'allergen-free' nature of these rooms. After studying the meteorological data of August 1931, however, we conclude that the colds and the aggravation of the asthmatic complaints in the period of August 8-10 were probably due to a sudden fall of the temperature from 30 to 15 degrees C in the period August 5-10, owing to a change of weather with influx of cold polar air.