”Thunderstorm asthma” kills six in Melbourne

The number of people dying in the Australian city of Melbourne from a rare phenomenon called thunderstorm asthma has risen to six. Three others are in a critical condition. Heavy rains and winds on Monday triggered thousands of pollen allergy asthma attacks in the state of Victoria. Paramedics and hospitals were stretched to their limits […]

The number of people dying in the Australian city of Melbourne from a rare phenomenon called thunderstorm asthma has risen to six. Three others are in a critical condition.

Heavy rains and winds on Monday triggered thousands of pollen allergy asthma attacks in the state of Victoria.

Paramedics and hospitals were stretched to their limits as thousands phoned to report breathing problems.

Thunderstorm asthma occurs in the spring when rye grass pollen gets wet, breaks into smaller pieces and enters people’s lungs, causing them breathing problems.