The perfect storm: temporal analysis of air during the world's most deadly epidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) event in Melbourne.

Background: There have been 26 epidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) events worldwide, with Melbourne at the epicentre of ETSA with 7 recorded events, and in 2016 experienced the deadliest ETSA event ever recorded. Health services and emergency departments were overwhelmed with thousands requiring medical care for acute asthma and 10 people died.

Objectives: This multidisciplinary study was conducted across various health and science departments with the aim of improving our collective understanding of the mechanism behind ETSA.

Importance of allergen-environment interactions in epidemic thunderstorm asthma.

Australia is home to one of the highest rates of allergic rhinitis worldwide. Commonly known as 'hay fever', this chronic condition affects up to 30% of the population and is characterised by sensitisation to pollen and fungal spores. Exposure to these aeroallergens has been strongly associated with causing allergic reactions and worsening asthma symptoms.

Impact of Fungal Spores on Asthma Prevalence and Hospitalization.

Despite making up a significant proportion of airborne allergens, the relationship between fungal spores and asthma is not fully explored. Only 80 taxa of fungi have so far been observed to exacerbate respiratory presentations, with spp., spp.

Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma: Lessons Learned from the Storm Down-Under.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) is a global health problem that can strike without sufficient warning and can have catastrophic consequences. Because of climate change, future events are likely to become more common, more disastrous, and more unpredictable. To prevent loss of life and avoid surge events on health care infrastructure, identifying at-risk individuals and their potential biomarkers is the most prophylactic approach that can be taken to mitigate the deadly consequences of ETSA.