Thunderstorm Asthma

Thunderstorm asthma is triggered by thunderstorms when there are high amounts of grass pollen in the air, typically between October and December.

It can result in people wheezing, feeling short of breath, and tight in the chest when coughing.

Are you at risk?

You are at risk of thunderstorm asthma if you:

  • Have asthma (or have had asthma in the past)
  • Have hay fever (allergy affecting the nose) during Spring.

If you feel short of breath, tight in the chest, wheeze or cough during pollen season - you might have undiagnosed asthma.

 

Getting Ready for Grass Pollen Season

  • If you think you may have asthma or hay fever, talk to your doctor.
  • Learn how and when to use your medications properly.
  • Learn asthma first aid
  • Check the epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecast here.
  • Avoid thunderstorms in grass pollen season, especially the wind gusts before the storm.
  • If you have asthma, see your doctor regularly. Keep them updated on your asthma action plan.
  • If you experience hay fever, see your doctor or pharmacist about the best treatment and your risk of thunderstorm asthma.

 

Further Information

Better Health Channel - What is Thunderstorm Asthma

 

Visit the Asthma Australia Website where you can get more information and download an app to check high pollen counts.

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