WARNING: A thunderstorm asthma alert is current for east and central areas of Victoria for Wednesday 27 November 2024. Forecast thunderstorm weather is expected to increase the risk of thunderstorm asthma. The risk to asthma sufferers is forecast to be HIGH in the North Central and West & South Gippsland regions of Victoria. The risk is MODERATE in South West and Central Victoria.
Grass pollen season can lead to increased asthma and hay fever cases, including the potential for thunderstorm asthma. This phenomenon occurs when high pollen levels and specific thunderstorms trigger asthma symptoms in many people. Pollen particles released before a storm can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing breathing difficulties. It’s vital for those with asthma or hay fever to be aware and take precautions during this season.
Here are some things you can do to prepare for pollen season:
- 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. Remember taking an asthma preventer properly and regularly is key to preventing asthma, including thunderstorm asthma.
- 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 – which is available from a pharmacy without a prescription.
- 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 or not you might have asthma.
- It’s important for everyone in the community to know the four steps of asthma first aid so they know what to do if they or someone is having an asthma attack.
- And finally, where possible avoid being outside during thunderstorms from October through December – especially in the wind gusts that come before the storm. Go inside and close your doors and windows. If you have your air conditioning on, turn it to recirculate.
In the case of an emergency, call 000
Get immediate help by visiting your local Health Direct Service.
Additional resources:
Department of Health: epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast
Better Health Channel: Asthma emergency first aid
Better Health Channel: Thunderstorm asthma
Asthma Foundation VIC: asthmaaustralia.org.au
National Asthma Foundation of Australia: nationalasthma.org.au
Last reviewed October 27, 2021.
