Prepare for Thunderstorm Asthma this Spring

Although for most of us spring brings a welcome change to the cold and rain of winter, it’s not all good news. Springtime also brings an increase in hay fever and asthma incidents – including the dreaded thunderstorm asthma.

On 21 November 2016, Melbourne experienced the largest thunderstorm asthma event in the world and many people required medical support.

Thunderstorm asthma is triggered by high grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm. During this event a large number of people can develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time.

Although people with asthma or hay fever are most at risk, anyone can develop symptoms from thunderstorm asthma so it is important for everyone to prepare for this year’s grass pollen season.

Here are some tips to help Bayside residents prepare this spring:

If you’ve ever had asthma talk to your doctor about what you can do to help protect yourself from the risk of thunderstorm asthma this pollen season If you have hay fever see your pharmacist or doctor for a hay fever treatment plan and check if you should have an asthma reliever puffer If you have hay fever, and especially if you experience wheezing and coughing with your hay fever, it is important to make sure you don’t also have asthma. Speak to your doctor today about whether you might have asthma, and if you do, get an asthma action plan.   Where possible, avoid being outside during thunderstorms from October through December – especially in the wind gusts that come before the storm.

To learn more about thunderstorm asthma visit https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/thunderstorm-asthma