‘Thunderstorm asthma’ wave hits Kol, docs blame weather swings

Kolkata: ‘Thunderstorm asthma' has been affecting many people across Kolkata as wet and dry periods continue to alternate frequently. The sudden shifts in temperature, the dampness in the air, and the breeze accompanying the showers have been triggering attacks for asthma and COPD patients, say physicians. Monsoon brings with it many challenges for asthma and lung patients, according to CMRI Hospital pulmonologist Arup Halder. "There is also a rare but important phenomenon we call thunderstorm asthma. During a storm, pollen grains swell, burst, and release fine particles that the wind carries deep into our lungs. Almost everyone who experiences this already has hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Add to this the rise in viral infections and the settling of toxic gases like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Even vitamin D levels drop in this season, lowering natural resistance to respiratory illnesses," said Halder.Excessive heat can lead to dehydration and thick mucus, while cold air can increase airway resistance and mucus production, causing more coughing, shortness of breath, and hospitalisation, said Soumya Sengupta, consultant pulmonologist, Charnock Hospital. "The intermittent periods of high and low temperature lead to frequent airways contraction and blockages. With continuous rain, more are being affected by viral fever, upper and lower respiratory tract infections triggered mainly by influenza A and AH3," Sengupta added.Dipnarayan Mukherjee, clinical microbiology consultant, Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital, said: "Conversely, cold and dry air irritates the lungs and narrows the airways. These rapid shifts in weather directly affect both the airways and the quality of air we breathe. Added to that, humidity and intermittent rain further strain the respiratory system, often triggering or worsening breathing difficulties."Moving from hot outdoor environments into air-conditioned spaces or sudden seasonal changes can put significant stress on the respiratory system, said BP Poddar Hospital consultant pulmonologist Abhishek Kolay. Peerless Hospital has been receiving patients with influenza A and B, rhinovirus, meta-pneumovirus, and occasional cases of dengue. "The temperature fluctuation will increase the longevity of the respiratory viruses though influenza may continue to strike even after the temperature rises. We have also tested one positive for chikungunya," said Peerless Hospital chief microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chowdhury.