A recent study presented at the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Orlando shows that thunderstorms are linked to significant increases in asthma-related emergency department visits. The research analyzed data from three hospitals in Wichita, Kansas, covering 4,439 asthma-related ER visits between January 2020 and December 2024.
Researchers identified 38 days with thunderstorms during the study period. They found that 14% of all asthma-related ER visits—627 cases—occurred on these storm days, which represented only about 2% of the total calendar days examined. On average, there were nearly 18 asthma visits per day during thunderstorms, compared to just three on non-storm days.
The study also found that older age was associated with a higher risk of storm-related asthma ER visits. Other factors such as gender, location, and whether patients were admitted or discharged did not significantly affect the likelihood of visiting during a thunderstorm.
“These results confirm that thunderstorms can pose a serious health risk for people with asthma, even in the United States,” said Diala Merheb, MD, lead author of the study. “Because storms are unpredictable, patients and healthcare providers should include storm-specific precautions in asthma action plans.”
The findings suggest that surges in asthma cases related to storms place extra pressure on emergency departments. Recognizing this connection may help communities and healthcare systems develop strategies to protect vulnerable populations and manage hospital resources more effectively.
“If you or your child has asthma, it’s smart to think about thunderstorms the same way you prepare for high-pollen days or cold weather. Understanding triggers and having a clear plan can help avoid emergency room visits,” said allergist Selina Gierer, DO, ACAAI member and one of the study authors.
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. It includes more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals who focus on patient care, education, advocacy, and research related to allergies and asthma.
For additional information about allergy and asthma treatment or to find an allergist nearby, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org.
