It is caused by a sudden release of histamines and other chemicals that overwhelm the body. The onset is usually rapid and symptoms occur within minutes. Death can potentially occur immediately or within two hours. The first sign may be swelling and redness of the skin or may be a non-visible internal reaction such as swelling of the airway, a drop in blood pressure, shock, or nausea. The allergic person may also have a feeling of great anxiety.
Minutes are vital.
A recent study has found that thunderstorms that occur during grass pollen season can cause a dramatic increase in acute asthma attacks. The source of the increase in asthmatic attacks is speculative. The recent study suggested that high humidity levels preceding a storm might lead to a rupture of pollen grains thereby releasing small starch granules containing allergens into the air. Asthma and oestrogen Further information on the relationship between asthma and oestrogen has emerged recently. Researchers have documented that premenopausal women are most likely to suffer an asthma attack in the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle when oestrogen levels are lowest.