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Each year between 1 October and 31 December, grass pollen season can bring more than sneezing and itchy eyes. It can also bring the chance of thunderstorm asthma – which can be severe and potentially life-threatening. 

These events can happen suddenly and lead to large numbers of people presenting to emergency departments at the same time. That’s why Albury Wodonga Health is urging the community to remain vigilant and prepared this season. 

Last season, Albury Wodonga Health emergency departments saw the impact of thunderstorm asthma firsthand. Over 17 hours, a total of 233 people presented across both Albury and Wodonga emergency departments, including 121 asthma-related cases. As many as 40 patients arrived in just one hour between 9pm and 10pm. 

Dr James Robertson, Respiratory Physician at AWH, said thunderstorm asthma can affect people with current, past or undiagnosed asthma, or springtime hay fever.

“Thunderstorm asthma isn’t limited to people with severe asthma,” Dr Robertson said. “It can affect those who know they have asthma, people with hay fever and mild asthma, those who have had asthma in the past, and even people who don’t yet know they’ve got asthma.

“Shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing are the most common symptoms to watch out for in a thunderstorm asthma event, and these can escalate very quickly.”

Dr Robertson said the Border region is considered an asthma hotspot.

“We’re in a very high grass pollen area, and when you combine that with the right storm conditions it can trigger a mass emergency that puts pressure on emergency departments.”

However, there are simple steps you can take now to lower your risk. 

“If you have asthma, visit your GP and make sure you have an up-to-date asthma action plan. Always carry your reliever and preventer medication during grass pollen season, and know how to administer them effectively,” said Dr Robertson. 

Ian Aldrich, AWH Clinical Nurse Consultant, Emergency Department, adds, “Don’t delay in visiting your closest emergency department if you’re experiencing symptoms that can’t be managed by following your asthma action plan or using asthma first aid.”

What is thunderstorm asthma?

Thunderstorm asthma is a sudden increase in severe asthma symptoms triggered by a unique combination of high grass pollen levels and a particular type of thunderstorm with strong winds.  

When grass pollen grains are swept up into a storm, they can burst into tiny particles. These can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and leading to asthma attacks, which can be life-threatening. 

How to protect yourself

Protect yourself and those in your care by following these simple steps:

Avoid thunderstorms

• Avoid being outdoors during thunderstorms, especially during the winds before the storm.
• Go indoors and close all doors and windows.
• Turn off any air conditioning systems that bring outside air in (e.g. evaporative air conditioners).

Be prepared with treatments

• Take your preventative medication as prescribed.
• Carry your reliever medication/inhaler with you. 

Learn asthma first aid

• Follow your asthma action plan or use asthma first aid.
• If you don’t have an asthma action plan, see your GP.

Know when to seek urgent help

• If your symptoms are worsening, call Triple Zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department. 

Stay up to date

Stay informed by checking the daily thunderstorm asthma forecasts and alerts. Download the VicEmergency app: emergency.vic.gov.au

 For more information, visit Better Health Channel: betterhealth.vic.gov.au