Thunderstorm Asthma Wave Hits Kolkata: Kolkata, known for its humid climate and unpredictable seasonal shifts, is now facing an alarming health crisis as doctors across the city have reported a sudden wave of respiratory distress cases. Medical experts are calling it “thunderstorm asthma”, a rare but increasingly observed phenomenon triggered by abrupt weather changes, heavy pollen activity, and dust particles intensified by thunderstorms.
A Surge in Patients Across Hospitals
Over the last few weeks, hospitals such as Sambhunath Pandit Hospital, Apollo Gleneagles, and S.S.K.M. Medical College have seen a sharp increase in patients complaining of shortness of breath, wheezing, persistent cough, and chest tightness. Many of these patients had no prior history of asthma, leaving doctors concerned about the expanding scope of the condition.
“Every thunderstorm this monsoon seems to bring in a rush of patients with asthma-like symptoms. What we are witnessing is consistent with global cases of thunderstorm asthma,” explained Dr. Sougata Chatterjee, a pulmonologist at a city hospital.
What Is Thunderstorm Asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma occurs when storm activity breaks pollen grains into tiny particles that are then dispersed into the air. Strong winds and humid conditions allow these particles, along with fungal spores and dust, to be inhaled deeply into the lungs, triggering sudden asthma attacks.
According to the National Asthma Council of Australia link, which has extensively studied this phenomenon after Melbourne’s 2016 thunderstorm asthma disaster, people with hay fever or allergies—even without a history of asthma—can suddenly develop respiratory complications during such events.
The Kolkata Connection: Why Now?
Meteorologists have highlighted that Kolkata has experienced abrupt temperature shifts and unseasonal storms this year. One day sees scorching heat, followed by heavy rain and gusty winds the next.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) link has recorded a spike in sudden thunderstorms across South Bengal, creating conditions conducive to pollen fragmentation and dust particle suspension.
Doctors link this with:
- High pollen counts during monsoon transitions.
- Rising dust levels due to ongoing construction across Kolkata.
- Humidity swings that worsen allergic responses.
Cases Beyond Traditional Asthmatics
What makes the current wave worrying is that first-time sufferers are increasingly being admitted.
“I had never been diagnosed with asthma. Suddenly, after a thunderstorm, I couldn’t breathe and had to be rushed to the hospital,” said Ritika Dey, a 32-year-old school teacher from Lake Gardens.
Doctors emphasize that those with allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or hay fever are now equally vulnerable. This matches research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology link showing how sudden pollen micro-fragmentation during storms affects even non-asthmatics.
Thunderstorm Asthma Wave Hits Kolkata: Doctors Call for Preparedness
Leading pulmonologists are urging the city administration to recognize thunderstorm asthma as a public health threat.
Dr. Subhankar Sinha, consultant at a private hospital, said:
“We need real-time pollen count monitoring, weather-health advisories, and better awareness campaigns. Citizens should not ignore sudden coughing or breathlessness during thunderstorms.”
Preventive Measures for Citizens
Doctors recommend simple yet effective steps to stay protected:
- Stay indoors during storms, especially if prone to allergies.
- Use N95 masks to filter out pollen and dust particles.
- Keep windows closed during thunderstorms to avoid indoor exposure.
- Carry prescribed inhalers at all times if you are asthmatic.
- Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms escalate.
The World Health Organization (WHO) link has also stressed the importance of community-level preparedness for climate-related respiratory illnesses, which are becoming more frequent globally.
Global Precedents of Thunderstorm Asthma
The current wave in Kolkata is not isolated. Cities around the world have experienced similar outbreaks:
- Melbourne, 2016: One of the deadliest thunderstorm asthma events killed 10 people and hospitalized over 8,000.
- London, 1994: Thousands of new asthma cases recorded during a storm.
- Naples, Italy: Several thunderstorms triggered seasonal respiratory distress among pollen-allergic populations.
These global incidents highlight how climate change and environmental degradation intensify such crises, making urban populations like Kolkata more vulnerable.
Role of Climate Change
Experts argue that climate change is a silent driver behind the rise in thunderstorm asthma cases. Increasing CO₂ levels have been shown to boost pollen production. Erratic rainfall patterns disturb the natural settling of allergens, while warmer temperatures extend pollen seasons.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) link, South Asian cities will face more unpredictable weather swings, heightening the risk of such respiratory health emergencies.
The Way Forward for Kolkata
Public health experts believe Kolkata must adopt a multi-pronged strategy to tackle this emerging threat:
- Pollen Forecasting Systems – Similar to air quality monitoring.
- Collaboration Between IMD and Health Department – To issue early warnings.
- School and Office Advisories – For children and working professionals prone to allergies.
- Emergency Preparedness in Hospitals – Stocking inhalers, nebulizers, and ventilator support.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) link is reportedly considering a study on thunderstorm asthma cases in eastern India to better understand its patterns and risks.
Voices from the City
Kolkata residents are already expressing concerns:
- Parents fear for children who often play outside during evenings when storms hit.
- Elderly citizens with COPD and lung issues find themselves at greater risk.
- Working professionals worry about commute-related exposure when sudden storms disrupt traffic.
These voices highlight the urgent need for public communication and awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
The sudden thunderstorm asthma wave in Kolkata underscores the complex relationship between climate, environment, and human health. While doctors are fighting to control the surge of patients, experts stress that long-term solutions lie in better urban planning, pollution control, and proactive healthcare systems.
Kolkata, a city already grappling with air pollution, now faces the added burden of climate-linked respiratory emergencies. Unless addressed with foresight, thunderstorm asthma could become a recurring nightmare during every monsoon season.
✅ External Links Included:
- National Asthma Council of Australia
- India Meteorological Department
- Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
- World Health Organization
- IPCC Reports
- Indian Council of Medical Research
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