WITH thunderstorm season starting October 1, Goulburn Valley Health Public Health Unit (GVPHU) are urging people who experience asthma and hay fever to prepare now.
“If you have asthma or experience seasonal asthma, it’s important to have an up-to-date asthma action plan and manage your symptoms with advice from your general practitioner,” explained Dr Will Cross, GVPHU clinical director.
“An asthma action plan is a simple guide created with your doctor to help you manage your asthma and know what to do if your symptoms get worse. Make sure you have your asthma medication with you at all times during this high-risk season.”
Thunderstorm asthma is a rare weather-related event that primarily occurs during spring but can extend into December, aligning with the grass and pollen season. It occurs during spring thunderstorms when pollen grains are swept into the air and break into tiny particles. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger sudden asthma flare-ups, particularly in people with pre-existing asthma or hay fever. Episodes triggered during these events can be much more severe than regular asthma attacks, so even those with mild pre-existing conditions should be prepared.
The GVPHU recommends using your preventer medication as directed, especially during spring; managing hay fever symptoms with advice from your GP or pharmacist; monitoring daily pollen levels through the VicEmergency website or app and staying indoors on high pollen days; and being prepared with you and your loved one’s asthma action plans and ensuring you have enough medication on hand, including inhalers and antihistamines.
For more information and resources on thunderstorm asthma, visit www.gvhealth.org.au/public-health-unit or www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstorm-asthma
