Introduction: Thunderstorm-associated asthma events (TAE) are unique natural phenomena characterized by sudden surges in respiratory emergencies coinciding with severe weather. TAEs have affected multiple countries and significant population cohorts globally. This scoping review examines the extent of literature on TAE through the dual lenses of an emergency management framework and healthcare system burden. Methods: Comprehensive searches in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Library (via Wiley) were conducted on September 20, 2024. After removing duplicates, 1,710 unique results remained for the initial title and abstract screening in a web-based tool called Covidence. Findings reported according to PRISMA-ScR. Results: Thirty-three studies were included; ten discussed difficulties in response, and twenty-one provided recommendations for future mitigation. The most frequent response challenges described were lack of medication and insufficient equipment and beds (50% each). Twenty-one studies included mitigation recommendations; the most discussed were early public weather warnings (57%). Conclusion: Only one article mentioned a mitigation strategy implemented prior to the event. The state of the literature reflects a lack of both response challenges and implementation of mitigation strategies for TAE. This highlights the need for more publications on mitigation and response plans.
Alshadad et al. (Sun,) studied this question.