More than 100 residents in the Russian city of Krasnodar have suffered severe breathing difficulties after a heavy thunderstorm triggered widespread attacks of thunderstorm asthma.
The surge of medical emergencies began late on the night of August 27, when local hospitals recorded a sudden influx of patients presenting with severe shortness of breath, choking fits, and acute respiratory distress.
According to reports published by the Telegram news channel Mash, the sudden health crisis affected vulnerable groups across the city, including numerous pregnant women and young children.
Understanding thunderstorm asthma
Medical experts attributed the sudden health emergency to thunderstorm asthma. The condition manifests as a sharp surge in choking fits and asthmatic symptoms when heavy rainfall and thunder occur alongside high seasonal pollen levels in individuals with pre-existing allergies.
Thunderstorm asthma is an established environmental health phenomenon that occurs during periods of high airborne pollen. During a storm, strong upward air currents draw intact pollen grains high into humid clouds. Moisture inside the clouds causes the pollen grains to burst into microscopic allergen fragments, which violent downdrafts then carry back to ground level. Because these tiny particles easily bypass the upper respiratory system and penetrate deep into human lungs, they trigger severe bronchial spasms even in individuals with mild seasonal allergies.
Krasnodar, the administrative center of Krasnodar Krai situated along the Kuban River in southwestern Russia, is a major regional hub. The city experiences elevated plant pollen counts during the late summer and early autumn months.
Hospital response and ongoing complaints
Maria Malakhova, a Krasnodar allergist, noted that local health facilities had never previously encountered such a large volume of patients presenting with these specific symptoms. She added that emergency medical crews worked continuously to transport victims to local hospitals, with patient complaints persisting across a three-day period.
The respiratory outbreak follows recent public health warnings advising Russian citizens to remain cautious around dangerous wasps and hornets. Entomologists warned that the insects tend to display heightened aggression during early autumn, making them more likely to attack humans as their natural food sources become scarce.
