Thunderstorm Asthma

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Stay Safe During Thunderstorm Asthma Season

With thunderstorm season starting on October 1st, the Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit (GVPHU) is reminding those with asthma or hay fever to take preventive steps now.

What Is Thunderstorm Asthma?

Thunderstorm asthma is a rare weather-related event that usually occurs in Spring but can extend into December, during the grass pollen season. During storms, pollen grains are swept into the air and break into tiny particles. These can reach deep into the lungs and trigger sudden asthma attacks, which may be more severe than regular asthma flare-ups. Even people with mild asthma or hay fever should take precautions.

Who Is Most at Risk?

You may be at higher risk of thunderstorm asthma if you:

Experience seasonal hay fever
Have current asthma
Have a history of asthma
Have undiagnosed asthma or respiratory symptoms

People with both asthma and hay fever are at greatest risk. Even mild symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath should not be ignored—consult with your GP.

How to Protect Yourself

To reduce your risk during thunderstorm asthma season, the GV Public Health Unit advises:

Use Your Preventer Medication – Take your preventer inhaler as prescribed, especially during Spring.
Manage Hay Fever – Keep symptoms under control with guidance from your GP or pharmacist. This can help prevent asthma flare-ups.
Monitor Pollen Levels – Check daily pollen forecasts on the VicEmergency website or app. Stay indoors on high pollen days.
Be Prepared – Keep asthma action plans up to date for yourself and loved ones. Ensure you have enough medication, including inhalers and antihistamines. Learn asthma first aid and follow the four recommended steps. If symptoms don’t improve, call 000 immediately.

Thunderstorm asthma can be serious. Prepare this season by:

Talking to your GP about an asthma action plan
Ensuring you have enough medication
Downloading the VicEmergency app to keep up-to-date with live weather and pollen forecasts regularly.

To learn more, visit the Better Health Channel for up-to-date information and advice.

VicEmergency (online webpage) – Incidents and Warnings – VicEmergency

Download VicEmergency app (App Store) – https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/vicemergency/id356559665?mt=8

Download VicEmergency app (Google Play) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.naturallybeing.fireready&hl=en&pcampaignid=MKT-Other-global-all-co-prtnr-py-PartBadge-Mar2515-1