Here in Atlanta, the home of AchooAllergy.com, we have had thunderstorms all week. Interestingly, we recently learned that thunderstorms can cause a higher incidence of asthma attacks, as Science Daily reports.

A research team composed of climatologists and epidemiologists form the University of Georgia and Emory University analyzed 12 years of emergency room data from 41 hospitals in 20 Georgia counties. Immediately following thunderstorms, emergency room visits due to asthma attacks were significantly higher.

Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a meteorologist involved in the study, explains the connection: "The rainfall actually can break the pollens into smaller aero-allergens – the pollen grains – and this can actually exacerbate upper respiratory problems. Secondly, the windy gusts from thunderstorms actually serve to disperse these aero-allergens in a larger area around the thunderstorms themselves."

While this research may at first seem to just add to the long list of things that can trigger asthma attacks (pet dander, cleaning products, perfume, and pollution to name a few), the findings are actually helpful. Knowing what can trigger asthma attacks helps asthma sufferers either avoid triggers or take extra precautions when triggers are unavoidable.

As we stress over and over again, knowledge is not only power, but often times relief when it comes to dealing with allergies and asthma. Be sure to visit our Learning Center to learn more.