Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is rare, but when it happens it can cause a sudden surge in breathing problems across a whole community. In a city like Grand Rapids—where we see humid summers, changing weather fronts off Lake Michigan, and a strong grass pollen season—it’s important to understand this condition, especially if you or your child has asthma or seasonal allergies.

This guide explains what epidemic thunderstorm asthma is, who is at risk in West Michigan, and how people in Grand Rapids can prepare and protect themselves.

What Is Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma?

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma occurs when a large number of people develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time during or just before a thunderstorm.

It is usually triggered by a unique combination of:

  • Very high grass pollen levels, and
  • A certain type of thunderstorm with strong wind gusts and outflows

During these storms, grass pollen grains can be swept up into the air, broken into tiny particles, and then carried in the storm’s outflow winds. These particles are small enough to travel deep into the lungs when breathed in, which can rapidly trigger asthma symptoms and severe breathing difficulty.

Because many people can be affected at the same time, epidemic thunderstorm asthma can put sudden pressure on:

  • Local emergency departments (e.g., Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health)
  • Urgent care centers and primary care clinics across Grand Rapids and Kent County

How Thunderstorms and Grass Pollen Trigger Asthma

The Role of Grass Pollen in West Michigan

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, grass pollen season typically runs from late May through July, with occasional spikes into early August. Our humid summers and abundant green spaces, parks, and lawns mean grass pollen can be significant—especially on warm, windy days before a storm.

During certain thunderstorms:

  1. Grass pollen grains are lifted high into the storm clouds.
  2. Moisture in the clouds causes these grains to burst into tiny fragments.
  3. Strong outflow winds ahead of the storm push these fragments down to ground level.
  4. People breathing this air can inhale the tiny particles deep into their lungs, triggering asthma symptoms very quickly.

This can become severe in minutes, especially for people with:

  • Asthma (diagnosed or undiagnosed)
  • Hay fever (allergic rhinitis), particularly to grass pollen
  • Poorly controlled asthma

When Can Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Occur in Grand Rapids?

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma events are uncommon and do not occur every year. However, the risk is highest when:

  • Grass pollen levels are high or very high, and
  • A thunderstorm with strong winds or outflow is forecast or approaching

In Grand Rapids and Kent County, the highest risk period is usually:

  • Late spring to mid-summer (late May–July)

However, people with asthma or hay fever should remain alert any time:

  • Pollen counts are high, and
  • Thunderstorms are predicted, especially with gusty winds ahead of the storm

You can stay informed by checking:

  • Local pollen forecasts (e.g., “Grand Rapids pollen count” or local weather apps)
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health updates
  • Local weather forecasts from WOOD-TV8, FOX 17, WZZM 13, or the National Weather Service – Grand Rapids

Who Is at Risk of Thunderstorm Asthma?

You may be at higher risk of thunderstorm asthma in Grand Rapids if you:

  • Have asthma (diagnosed)
  • Have had asthma in the past, even if symptoms are mild or infrequent now
  • Have hay fever (allergic rhinitis), especially to grass pollen
  • Have asthma symptoms but no formal diagnosis, such as:
    • Wheezing
    • Coughing, especially at night or early morning
    • Shortness of breath
    • Tightness in the chest

Your risk is even higher if:

  • Your asthma is poorly controlled (frequent symptoms, frequent use of your rescue inhaler)
  • You have both asthma and hay fever
  • You do not take your prescribed preventer (controller) inhaler regularly

Thunderstorm asthma can affect people living in:

  • Urban areas (e.g., downtown Grand Rapids, Eastown, Midtown)
  • Suburban areas (e.g., Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, Grandville)
  • Rural parts of Kent County and surrounding West Michigan communities

Even people who have never been diagnosed with asthma can experience severe symptoms during an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event if they are sensitive to grass pollen.

Recognizing Asthma Symptoms

Asthma affects about 1 in 9 Americans and can start at any age, including adulthood. Symptoms can come and go, and not everyone experiences the same symptoms.

Common Asthma Symptoms

People with asthma may experience one or more of the following:

  • Wheezing – a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chest tightness or pressure
  • Persistent cough, especially:
    • At night
    • In the early morning
    • After exercise
    • During pollen season or colds

These symptoms mean that a person’s lower airways (lungs) are affected.

Asthma is more likely if:

  • You also have eczema or hay fever
  • You have close relatives with allergies or asthma
  • Symptoms:
    • Keep coming back
    • Are worse at night or early morning
    • Happen at the same time each year (e.g., spring/summer)
    • Are clearly triggered by exercise, allergies, colds, or weather changes

If your symptoms improve quickly with a reliever inhaler (like albuterol), this also suggests asthma.

If you notice any of these patterns, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider in Grand Rapids or a local asthma/allergy specialist.

Recognizing Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis) Symptoms

Hay fever is very common in Michigan, especially during spring and summer when tree and grass pollens are high.

Common Hay Fever Symptoms

You may have hay fever if you experience:

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Itchy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy, watery, or red eyes
  • Itchy throat or ears

These symptoms mean that your eyes and upper airways (nose and throat) are affected.

Hay fever does not include:

  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness

Those symptoms may indicate asthma, not just allergies.

If you have hay fever and also experience wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or a persistent cough, see your doctor. You may have both hay fever and asthma, which increases your risk during thunderstorm asthma events.

Why Thunderstorm Asthma Matters in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids has:

  • Humid summers and frequent thunderstorms
  • Plenty of lawns, parks, and green spaces that produce grass pollen
  • A large population with asthma and seasonal allergies

During an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event, many people may suddenly require:

  • Emergency care at Butterworth Hospital, Blodgett Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health
  • Urgent care or same-day primary care appointments
  • Rescue inhalers from local pharmacies

Knowing the risks and preparing ahead of time can help reduce severe attacks and ease pressure on local emergency services.

How to Protect Yourself During Grass Pollen and Thunderstorm Season

Everyone in the Grand Rapids community—especially people with asthma or hay fever—should know how to reduce their risk and what to do if symptoms occur.

General Steps for Everyone

  • Learn the signs and symptoms of asthma
  • Know basic asthma first aid (how to help someone use their reliever inhaler and when to call 911)
  • Stay informed about:
    • Pollen counts in Grand Rapids
    • Thunderstorm forecasts (especially with strong winds or outflows)

Protecting Yourself If You Are at Increased Risk

If you have asthma, hay fever, or asthma-like symptoms, take these precautions—especially during late spring and summer in West Michigan.

1. During Thunderstorms in Grass Pollen Season

When thunderstorms are forecast on high pollen days:

  • Avoid being outside during thunderstorms, particularly in the gusty winds before the storm
  • Go indoors:
    • Close doors and windows
    • If using an air conditioner that brings in outside air, set it to recirculate
  • Keep car windows closed and use recirculated air if driving
  • Avoid outdoor exercise just before and during the storm

2. Have Your Reliever Medication Ready

  • Always keep your reliever inhaler (e.g., albuterol) with you during pollen season
  • Make sure:
    • It is in date
    • You know how to use it correctly (ideally with a spacer)
  • If you are unsure, ask your Grand Rapids pharmacist, primary care provider, or asthma educator to review your inhaler technique

3. Follow Your Asthma Action Plan

If you have asthma:

  • Work with your GP or primary care provider to create or update your asthma action plan
  • Ensure it includes:
    • What to do if your symptoms start to worsen
    • Specific instructions for high pollen and thunderstorm days
  • Follow your plan and act early if symptoms begin:
    • Start or increase preventer medication as advised
    • Use reliever medication as directed

If you don’t have an asthma action plan, ask your doctor at your next visit—this is especially important before and during grass pollen season.

Protecting Yourself If You Have Asthma

If you have been diagnosed with asthma and live in Grand Rapids or nearby:

  • Have regular checkups with your GP or asthma specialist to:
    • Review your symptoms
    • Adjust your preventer medication if needed
    • Confirm that your asthma is well controlled
  • Take your preventer (controller) inhaler exactly as prescribed, even when you feel well
  • Always carry your reliever inhaler with you—it is your emergency asthma first aid medication
  • Talk with your doctor about your risk of thunderstorm asthma, especially if:
    • You have frequent symptoms during pollen season
    • You also have hay fever
    • You’ve ever had a severe asthma attack

Protecting Yourself If You Have Symptoms That Might Be Asthma

If you live in West Michigan and notice:

  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • A persistent or seasonal cough

You may have undiagnosed asthma. This is common and increases your risk during thunderstorm asthma events.

Steps to take:

  1. See your GP or primary care provider in Grand Rapids for assessment and possible lung function testing.
  2. Describe your symptoms, including:
    • When they happen (season, time of day)
    • What seems to trigger them (exercise, pollen, cold air, infections)
  3. Ask about:
    • Whether you need a reliever inhaler
    • Whether you should start a preventer medication during pollen season
    • Whether you need an asthma action plan

If you suddenly develop severe symptoms and think you are having an asthma attack, follow asthma first aid and call 911 if symptoms are severe or not improving.

Protecting Yourself If You Have Hay Fever

If you have hay fever (allergic rhinitis), especially in the spring and summer in Grand Rapids:

  • Understand that hay fever increases your risk of asthma, including thunderstorm asthma
  • Talk to your GP or pharmacist about a hay fever treatment plan, which may include:
    • Non-drowsy antihistamine tablets
    • Nasal steroid sprays
    • Eye drops for itchy, watery eyes
  • If you have hay fever and have ever experienced:
    • Wheezing
    • Shortness of breath
    • Chest tightness
    • Persistent cough
      you should see your GP to check for asthma.

Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend:

  • Keeping an asthma reliever inhaler available during pollen season
  • Starting or adjusting preventer medications if asthma is diagnosed

Reliever inhalers are usually available from local pharmacies in Grand Rapids; some may require a prescription, depending on the product and current regulations.

Checking Pollen and Thunderstorm Asthma Risk in Grand Rapids

To stay informed during grass pollen season in West Michigan:

  • Check Grand Rapids pollen counts and forecasts via:
    • Local weather websites and apps
    • Allergy and pollen tracking apps
  • Follow local updates from:
    • Kent County Health Department
    • Grand Rapids Public Health
  • Monitor weather forecasts from:
    • National Weather Service – Grand Rapids
    • Local TV stations (WOOD-TV8, FOX 17, WZZM 13)

On days with high pollen and thunderstorms forecast, people with asthma or hay fever should be especially cautious and follow the prevention steps above.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids and West Michigan

For Medical Advice and Non-Emergency Care

  • Your GP / Primary Care Provider
    • For diagnosis, asthma action plans, and medication reviews
  • Local Pharmacies
    • For reliever inhalers, hay fever treatments, and inhaler technique advice
  • Urgent Care Centers and Walk-In Clinics
    • For same-day care when your GP is unavailable

You can find nearby clinics and pharmacies through:

  • Your health insurance directory
  • Major health systems in Grand Rapids, such as:
    • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health

Emergency Care

Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Butterworth, Blodgett, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health) if:

  • You are struggling to breathe
  • You can’t speak in full sentences
  • Your reliever inhaler is not helping or you need it more often than every 3–4 hours
  • Symptoms are rapidly getting worse

Key Points to Remember

  • Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is rare but serious and can affect many people at once.
  • Those at highest risk in Grand Rapids include:
    • People with asthma (current or past)
    • People with hay fever, especially grass pollen allergy
    • People with asthma symptoms but no diagnosis
  • Having both asthma and hay fever or poorly controlled asthma increases your risk further.
  • Asthma has many triggers—pollen, infections, exercise, cold air, and thunderstorms can all play a role.
  • It is important to:
    • Recognize asthma symptoms
    • See your doctor if you experience them
    • Use your medications correctly
    • Have an asthma action plan and follow it
  • During grass pollen season in West Michigan, avoid being outside in gusty winds before thunderstorms, stay indoors with windows closed, and keep your reliever inhaler with you.

By staying informed and prepared, people in Grand Rapids and across Kent County can reduce their risk of severe asthma attacks during thunderstorm and pollen season.