Stone is professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Edward A Fox Chair in Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He has treated IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) since its emergence in recent years and is passionate about educating patients and fellow healthcare providers (HCPs) about the indolent and systemic nature of this disease.

Discussing the Overlap of Polymyalgia Rheumatica in Patients With GCA

This video covers the following questions:

What are your thoughts on screening for underlying large vessel vasculitis in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)? What are the implications of disease-related damage for patients with both GCA and PMR?

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Clinical

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Video Series

Identifying the Optimal CSU Patient Population for Remibrutinib

Jason Hawkes, MD, MS, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of Dermatology at the University of California Davis, notes that, unlike omalizumab, for which IgE levels may predict response, remibrutinib and dupilumab demonstrate efficacy irrespective of baseline IgE concentrations. This widens their applicability to both IgE-dependent and IgE-independent CSU populations, as well as those who have failed other therapies.

Despite these advances, Hawkes emphasizes the current lack of robust biomarkers or clinical predictors for individual response to BTK inhibitors and other novel agents in CSU. He stresses the ongoing need for further research to address this knowledge gap and optimize precision medicine approaches within the field.

Until more definitive markers are established, Hawkes encourages clinicians to focus primarily on reducing patient disease burden and improving quality of life, using available therapies judiciously and empirically while remaining alert for future evidence that could refine patient selection.

Jason Hawkes, MD, MS, discusses emerging biomarkers and clinical characteristics that may help identify patients most likely to benefit from remibrutinib in CSU.



Chelsie Derman is an associate editor for 

who covers psychiatry, sleep medicine, geriatrics, migraine, and allergy. She joined MJH Life Sciences in September 2023 after graduating from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and professional writing. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing and reading.

A recent study linked thunderstorms to a surge in 

-related emergency department (ED) visits. Lead author Diala Merheb, MD, internal medicine resident at the University of Kansas Medical Center, presented this research in a poster called “Thunderstorm-Associated Increases in Asthma ED Visits in a Midwestern US City: A Five-Year Review” on November 6 at the 2025 American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Allergy (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando, Florida.

“These results confirm that thunderstorms can pose a serious health risk for people with asthma, even in the United States,” Merheb said in a statement. “Because storms are unpredictable, patients and healthcare providers should include storm-specific precautions in asthma action plans.”

“Thunderstorm asthma” is not a new discovery, with documentation of this environmental phenomenon internationally. However, limited studies examine the link between thunderstorms and asthma in areas of the United States with heavy pollen. The World Allergy Organization considers thunderstorms a risk factor for asthma attacks in patients suffering from pollen allergy,

Merheb and colleagues conducted a retrospective analysis to assess whether thunderstorms were associated with increased asthma-related ED visits in Wichita, Kansas, as well as the relationship between storm-day admissions and age, gender, zip code, and ED disposition. The team analyzed 4439 asthma-related ER visits across 3 Wichita hospitals from January 2020 to December 2024 and identified 38 thunderstorm days during this period using meteorological records.

The study revealed that 14% of all asthma-related ER visits (n = 627) occurred on the 38 storm days, representing only 2% of the calendar days in the study period. During thunderstorms, the average number of asthma visits was nearly 18 per day (17.9), compared with just 3 (3.09) on non-storm days (Mann-Whitney U = 41,787.5; 

Older age was the only demographic factor associated with the increased risk of storm-related ER visits (P =.002). Gender, zip code, and admission or discharge status did not significantly affect the likelihood of visiting during a storm.

Investigators noted that a surge of asthma-related visits during storms puts a significant burden on emergency departments. Overcrowding in the emergency department harms the entire hospital, limiting resources and quality of care, as well as increasing mortality and morbidity. 2

Overcrowding not only impacts patient care but also places a financial burden on hospitals.2 A 2020 study estimated that nationwide emergency department visits cost approximately $76.3 billion in total.3

The term “thunderstorm asthma” was first reported in the 1980s in England and Australia, and the phenomenon continues to occur today.4

After severe thunderstorms passed through Melbourne, Australia, in 2016, more than 9000 people sought urgent medical care for asthma. This overwhelmed medical facilities, and ≥ 8 people died.4

“Thunderstorm asthma” describes an asthma attack that starts or worsens after a thunderstorm. It can occur in anyone with asthma, but most often affects people with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Although rain tends to lower pollen counts, thunderstorms can have the opposite effect due to their unique sequence of events. First, cold downdrafts concentrate air participates, such as pollen and mold. Then, air particles are swept into the clouds. A combination of clouds, wind, humidity, and lightning breaks up the particles to a size that can easily enter the nose, sinuses, and lungs. After that, wind gusts concentrate these small particles so large amounts can be inhaled.4

Another study reported that 65% of individuals with seasonal allergies reported experiencing thunderstorm asthma, and among them, nearly half sought emergency hospital treatment.4

Among individuals with seasonal allergies, risk factors for experiencing thunderstorm asthma include poorly controlled asthma symptoms, a low score on a rapid exhalation test, greater levels of ryegrass pollen-specific IgE, greater eosinophil levels, and greater levels of exhaled nitric oxide.

Patients at risk for thunderstorm asthma may benefit from regularly checking the weather forecast to ensure they are taking their asthma medications correctly, have rescue medication on hand, and can stay indoors until the storm passes.

“…it’s smart to think about thunderstorms the same way you prepare for high-pollen days or cold weather,” said investigator Selina Gierer, DO, in the statement.1 “Understanding triggers and having a clear plan can help avoid emergency room visits.”

Thunderstorms Linked to Surge in Asthma ER Visits, New Study Shows. Acaai.org. Published 2025. Accessed December 9, 2025. 

https://annualmeeting.acaai.org/2025/thunderstorms.cfm

Sartini M, Carbone A, Demartini A, et al. Overcrowding in Emergency Department: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions—A Narrative Review. 

doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10091625

Emergency Department Utilization (EDU) - NCQA. NCQA. Published April 16, 2025. 

https://www.ncqa.org/report-cards/health-plans/state-of-health-care-quality-report/emergency-department-utilization-edu/

Shmerling R. Thunderstorm asthma: Bad weather, allergies, and asthma attacks. Harvard Health. Published June 22, 2022. 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/thunderstorm-asthma-bad-weather-allergies-and-asthma-attacks-202206222766

Articles

Thunderstorms have been linked to a significant increase in asthma-related emergency department visits, particularly in areas with high pollen levels. A study conducted in Wichita, Kansas, found that 14% of asthma-related ER visits occurred on thunderstorm days, despite these days comprising only 2% of the study period. Older age was identified as a risk factor for storm-related ER visits. Thunderstorm asthma is triggered by the unique weather conditions that concentrate and disperse pollen and mold particles, exacerbating asthma symptoms and overwhelming healthcare facilities.

A review in Wichita, Kansas, shows asthma-related emergency visits spike during storms, underscoring the importance of weather-based asthma action plans for at-risk patients.

News

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Asthma

The HCPLive asthma page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on asthmatic disease. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for allergic and severe asthma, and more.

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Pulmonology

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Seasonal Allergy

Thunderstorms Linked to Surge in Asthma ER Visits

Latest Updates in Oral BTKi from Derm Fall Clinical 2025

series focuses on optimizing management for 

 through evidence-based and individualized care. 

, highlighting diagnostic distinctions between spontaneous, inducible, and secondary forms. She emphasizes the importance of structured disease assessment using standardized tools such as the

 to track response and inform timely escalation. The discussion outlines key predictors of poor response to antihistamines and the critical need for proactive, rather than reactive, treatment decisions to prevent chronic disease burden.

The program then explores therapeutic innovation, particularly the rise of 

, which demonstrated rapid, durable symptom control and sustained remission through 52 weeks in the 

 trials. Armstrong examines how these findings may redefine long-term management goals and reshape patient expectations around control vs remission. She provides guidance on communicating treatment transitions, addressing concerns about injectables vs oral therapies, and balancing efficacy with adherence and accessibility—particularly as small molecule therapies expand options beyond traditional biologics such as omalizumab.

Finally, the conversation looks ahead to 

, envisioning a shift from rigid stepwise algorithms to 

. Armstrong discusses emerging biomarkers that could predict treatment response as well as how dermatologists and allergists may increasingly share roles in CSU management as therapeutic categories converge. She closes by highlighting the promise of new oral targeted therapies and the importance of integrating patient-reported outcomes and shared decision-making to achieve lasting control and improved quality of life.

Closing insights on expanding dermatology’s leadership in CSU management and embracing innovation to enhance patient outcomes.

Role of Remibrutinib in Current Guideline-Based Care for CSU

Jason Hawkes, MD, MS, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of Dermatology at the University of California Davis, clarifies that recent and forthcoming CSU management guidelines now position remibrutinib alongside omalizumab and dupilumab as a reasonable next step for patients who do not respond to antihistamines, both at standard and escalated doses. This represents a move away from the historical paradigm in which omalizumab was the sole third-line agent.

He outlines that, while omalizumab has the most long-term safety and efficacy data, practical considerations—such as ease of use, patient preference, and specialist comfort—are shaping real-world utilization patterns. Dermatologists, in particular, may prefer newer targeted options that lack black box warnings and offer more flexibility compared to traditional immunosuppressants like methotrexate or cyclosporine.

The evolving guidelines thus provide clinicians with additional advanced therapy options and empower them to tailor treatments with an evidence-based but pragmatic approach, ultimately enhancing care and outcomes for patients with CSU.

Jason Hawkes, MD, MS, explains how updated treatment guidelines are incorporating remibrutinib as a key option for CSU after antihistamine failure.



 Imaging Modalities for Diagnosing GCA: What Clinicians are Doing in Clinic

Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team as an assistant editor for HCPLive in August 2022. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in political science, working in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching TV, listening to podcasts, and rock climbing. You can contact him at 

Explore the evolving role of AI in dermatology, balancing its benefits with concerns over accuracy, bias, and the human touch in patient care.

Plaque Psoriasis

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Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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Acne

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Dermatology

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This Year In Medicine

AI in Dermatology: Discussing Downsides to the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence 

Abigail Brooks is an assistant managing editor for 

She joined MJH Life Sciences in August 2023 shortly after graduating from Monmouth University where she earned her BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations/Journalism and later an MA in Interactive Digital Media. She enjoys traveling, running, and reading books. She can be reached at abrooks@mjhlifesciences.com.

The approval makes etuvetidigene autotemcel (Waskyra) the first cell-based gene therapy for the treatment of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

Hematology

FDA News

FDA Approves Etuvetidigene Autotemcel (Waskyra) For Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome

Tracy George, MD, is a professor at the University of Utah and vice chair of clinical affairs at the University of New Mexico.

George highlights bezuclastinib’s effect on bone marrow systemic mastocytosis, emphasizing the drug’s potential in reducing symptom burden.

Conference

 conference coverage page features articles, videos, and expert-led live coverage from major medical meetings throughout the year.

Bezuclastinib Exhibits Superior Disease Biomarker Reduction in NonAdvSM, With Tracy George, MD

Potential Causal Relationship Identified Between Depression, Psoriasis

Data from VAYHIT3 presented at ASH 2025 suggest efficacy and safety of ianalumab in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia. 


VAYHIT3: Ianalumab Reduces Bleeding, Depletes B Cells in Immune Thrombocytopenia, With Philip Choi, MBBS, PhD

Study shows house dust mite SLIT therapy is safe in children with allergic asthma, though COVID-19–related drops in exacerbations impacted the primary endpoint.

House Dust Mite SLIT Tablet Well Tolerated in Children With Allergic Asthma

Claudia Morris, MD, is a professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine at Emory University and a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children's Health Care of Atlanta.

Morris discusses this latest trial in a long list of phase 3 studies which failed to evaluate arginine therapy’s value in vaso-occlusive pain episodes in SCD.

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Sickle Cell condition center page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into sickle cell disease can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on sickle cell research, treatment, and drug development.

PECARN STArT Fails to Improve Time-to-Crisis Resolution in SCD Pain, With Claudia Morris, MD

Natalia Nedelkopoulou, MD, is a consultant pediatric gastroenterologist at Sheffield Children's Hospital.

Nedelkopoulou emphasizes the importance of structured and multidisciplinary transition programs for young patients with IBD and HPB disease.

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on digestive and GI conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for 

, IBS and IBD, Crohn's disease, and more.

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Unraveling the Complexities of Concomitant IBD and Hepatobiliary Disease, With Natalia Nedelkopoulou, MD

Hanny Al-Samkari, MD, is the Peggy S. Blitz Endowed Chair in hematology and oncology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Al-Samkari discusses the positive results from the VAYHIT2 trial, which investigated ianalumab in combination with eltrombopag in adults with ITP.

Latest News

Discussing the Overlap of Polymyalgia Rheumatica in Patients With GCA

Identifying the Optimal CSU Patient Population for Remibrutinib

Thunderstorms Linked to Surge in Asthma ER Visits

Latest Updates in Oral BTKi from Derm Fall Clinical 2025

Role of Remibrutinib in Current Guideline-Based Care for CSU