Care urged during thunderstorm asthma season

People prone to respiratory conditions and hay fever are being urged to take extra care with October signalling the start of grass pollen season, bringing with it the risk of thunderstorm asthma.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting much of Australia to be hit with heavy spring rainfall, which can lead to above-average grass growth and ryegrass pollen.

People with hay fever and allergies to ryegrass pollen may be at risk of thunderstorm asthma, even if they have never previously had asthma symptoms.

Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm.

For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing with their hay fever, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life-threatening.

According Melbourne Pollen: Count and Forecast researchers, Melbourne experiences on average 20 high and extreme grass pollen days each season - these are the bad days for people allergic to grass pollen.

Last year, Melbourne had 33 high and extreme grass pollen days between 1 October to 31 December.

Councillor Rob Steane says managing your asthma and hay fever now could help to reduce your risk of thunderstorm asthma.

“Even if you don’t suffer from asthma, taking extra precautionary steps is vital due to airborne pollens being at their highest levels during this time of year,” Cr Steane said.

“Hay fever and seasonal asthma can cause severe respiratory distress in sufferers. That’s why it’s important to know about thunderstorm asthma and what you can do to help protect yourself and others,” he said.

On 21 November 2016, Melbourne experienced the world’s largest epidemic thunderstorm asthma event, which saw thousands of people developing breathing difficulties in a very short period. Nine people died from asthma attacks after this severe thunderstorm event.

Prepare and protect yourself from thunderstorm asthma

If a thunderstorm is approaching on a high pollen count day, it is a good idea to:

Make sure you have your reliever puffer with you. Reliever puffers and spacers are available over the counter at any pharmacy. Stay indoors and ensure all doors and windows are closed. If you have an airconditioner, turn it to recirculate the air. Continue to take your preventer medication and appropriate treatment for your allergies, including hay fever. Ensure you have an up-to-date asthma action plan and learn the four steps of asthma first aid. Keep abreast of changes in weather conditions. For thunderstorm asthma forecasts and alerts in Victoria, go to the Vic Emergency website or download the VicEmergency app and set up a ‘watch zone’ for your location. Download the Melbourne Pollen: Count and Forecast app. Pollen count level forecasts are issued daily at 7am to alert those with hay fever and seasonal asthma of the likelihood of exposure to high levels of grass or other pollen. The service also carries thunderstorm asthma warnings issued by the Victorian Department of Health. You can also follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for updates. When to seek help

Never ignore asthma symptoms like breathlessness, wheezing and tightness in the chest. Start Asthma First Aid immediately and call triple zero (000) for help if symptoms do not improve.

Further information

For more about thunderstorm asthma and how it may impact you, visit the National Asthma Council Australia.

For additional resources and information in multiple languages, visit the Thunderstorm Asthma - community fact sheet.