Episode of epidemic thunderstorm asthma in Shanxi China September 2025: epidemiological characteristics, mechanisms, and emergency management strategies
- 1Shanxi Provincial Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Hospital , , ,
Abstract
Background: In September 2025, our emergency department (ED) experienced a sudden influx of 39 asthmatic patients following a thunderstorm. Based on our data, we summarized demographic features of the 39 patients, reviewed literature to describe thunderstorm asthma pathogenesis, and compiled patients’ emergency management processes.
Method: This was a retrospective observational study. Clinical data were collected from electronic medical records and subsequent follow-up. Data were summarized and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Following standardized management, all patients were successfully managed, ensuring their safety. In this study, male patients accounted for a slightly higher proportion than females. The mean age of the 39 patients was 31.62 ± 12.86 years. The vast majority of patients had a history of allergic rhinitis. Laboratory tests revealed elevated peripheral blood eosinophil counts in some patients. The primary medications administered for thunderstorm asthma included inhaled corticosteroid, short-acting muscarinic antagonists, and short-acting β2-adrenergic agonist.
Discussion: This study indicates that thunderstorm-related asthma in northern China predominantly occurs in early autumn, with Artemisia pollen as the major allergen. In terms of pathogenesis, thunderstorms induce rupture of Artemisia pollen and release tiny allergenic particles that are inhaled into the airway. Antigens are presented by dendritic cells to activate CD4⁺, Th2 cells, which secrete cytokines such as IL-4 and initiate IgE-mediated allergic inflammation, thereby triggering acute asthma attacks. Meteorological early warning and preventive strategies, as well as hospital-based specialized emergency systems are required.
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BibTeX
@article{shen2026episode,
title = {{Episode of epidemic thunderstorm asthma in Shanxi China September 2025: epidemiological characteristics, mechanisms, and emergency management strategies}},
author = {Tingting Shen and Guiying Guo and HongMei Li and Junfang Wang and Hongwei Wang and Jianghui Mi},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fmed.2026.1953484},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13719571},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Episode of epidemic thunderstorm asthma in Shanxi China September 2025: epidemiological characteristics, mechanisms, and emergency management strategies
AU - Tingting Shen
AU - Guiying Guo
AU - HongMei Li
AU - Junfang Wang
AU - Hongwei Wang
AU - Jianghui Mi
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/16
JO - Frontiers in medicine
DO - 10.3389/fmed.2026.1953484
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13719571
AB - Background: In September 2025, our emergency department (ED) experienced a sudden influx of 39 asthmatic patients following a thunderstorm. Based on our data, we summarized demographic features of the 39 patients, reviewed literature to describe thunderstorm asthma pathogenesis, and compiled patients’ emergency management processes. Method: This was a retrospective observational study. Clinical data were collected from electronic medical records and subsequent follow-up. Data were summarized and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Following standardized management, all patients were successfully managed, ensuring their safety. In this study, male patients accounted for a slightly higher proportion than females. The mean age of the 39 patients was 31.62 ± 12.86 years. The vast majority of patients had a history of allergic rhinitis. Laboratory tests revealed elevated peripheral blood eosinophil counts in some patients. The primary medications administered for thunderstorm asthma included inhaled corticosteroid, short-acting muscarinic antagonists, and short-acting β2-adrenergic agonist. Discussion: This study indicates that thunderstorm-related asthma in northern China predominantly occurs in early autumn, with Artemisia pollen as the major allergen. In terms of pathogenesis, thunderstorms induce rupture of Artemisia pollen and release tiny allergenic particles that are inhaled into the airway. Antigens are presented by dendritic cells to activate CD4⁺, Th2 cells, which secrete cytokines such as IL-4 and initiate IgE-mediated allergic inflammation, thereby triggering acute asthma attacks. Meteorological early warning and preventive strategies, as well as hospital-based specialized emergency systems are required.
SN - 2296-858X
ER -