Thunderstorm asthma: What you need to know to keep safe

A lot of people have heard about the dangers of thunderstorm asthma, but not everyone knows what it is.

Be aware of the symptoms of thunderstorm asthma and how to protect yourself, so that you can all make the most of Springtime in Melbourne without the worry.

What is thunderstorm asthma?

Thunderstorm asthma occurs when lots of people get asthma symptoms over a short period of time. It is thought to be caused by a unique combination of high grass pollen counts and a certain type of thunderstorm.

When does it happen?

Just like hay fever, there is a greater risk of thunderstorm asthma occurring during grass pollen season, which is usually from October to December.

What symptoms should you look out for?

If you have experienced any of the following symptoms you should speak to your doctor:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in your chest
• Continued coughing.

Who is at risk of thunderstorm asthma?

The people most at risk are those who experience asthma or breathing difficulties, coughs or wheezing with their hay fever. If you have experienced this, it is important that you protect yourself from thunderstorm asthma.

But even if you do not get hay fever or asthma, you should still take care if you experience wheezing or shortness of breath. Book an appointment with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Protecting yourself

Here are my top tips for keeping yourself safe during grass pollen season:

1. Talk to your doctor if you have ever had asthma or asthmatic symptoms

Your doctor will be able to give you personal, tailored advice about how to manage your asthma.

2. Take your asthma medications as prescribed

Taking your asthma preventer regularly and following the proper instructions is critical to preventing asthma symptoms and thunderstorm asthma.

3. Follow your hay fever treatment plan

Taking your hay fever medications and following a treatment plan from your doctor or pharmacist can help you lower your risk. If you do not have a treatment plan, make an appointment with your doctor.

4. Stay indoors on windy days or high grass pollen count days

If your symptoms are bad, or you are at high risk, it is important that you monitor the outside environment. If you can avoid being outside on days when there is a very high pollen count, or at windy times before a storm, you will help protect yourself and may notice a reduction in your symptoms.

5. Keep windows and door shut

The pollen that causes these reactions can still reach you if you are indoors – so make sure you keep your windows and doors shut to lower your risk.

6. Use fans instead of air conditioning

If your air conditioning unit is bringing in air from outside, it may also be bringing in allergens that worsen your symptoms. You should either switch your air conditioning to ‘recirculate’, so it is only using internal air, or switch it off completely and use a fan instead.

7. In an emergency, call 000

Asthma can be life threatening so if your symptoms are getting worse and you think you need urgent care, it is critical that you call 000.

8. Look out for others

If you have friends or family with these symptoms or conditions, make sure they are ok. Often we do not notice our symptoms getting worse, but you may notice it in others. Ask them what they are doing to protect themselves, and if you are worried about them encourage them to see a doctor. In an emergency, call 000 on their behalf.

If you follow this plan and work with your health professionals to manage your condition, you will hopefully be back to enjoying the warmer weather in no time!