What is Thunderstorm Asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma can be life threatening and can happen suddenly, leaving many people unprepared. Weather conditions associated with thunderstorm asthma can trigger an asthma attack, even if you don’t have asthma. Thunderstorm Asthma generally occurs during Springtime but can occur anytime between the months of September to December. During these months, pollen levels peak as trees, grasses and weeds release their pollen into the air. When a storm occurs, high winds can carry pollen far distances, even causing the pollen grains to burst into tiny particles, the stormy weather then pushes these particles back down to the ground. As people breathe these particles in, the pollen can get deep inside the lungs and trigger an asthma attack (especially in those with pollen allergy or asthma). If you suffer from asthma or hayfever, you may be at risk of developing thunderstorm asthma.
Who can be affected?
The main groups of people who are at a higher risk of developing Thunderstorm Asthma are:
- People with diagnosed asthma, especially those:
- whose symptoms worsen in Spring
- who are allergic to grass pollen
- who also get hayfever
- People who suffer from hayfever, even if they do not have asthma
Steps you can take to minimise your risk of developing thunderstorm asthma?
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed, especially when windy. Drive with windows up and air on recirculate/recycled.
- Stay up to date with pollen counts and weather forecasts. If you know a storm is coming or the pollen count is high ensure you get inside (or in a car), to avoid wind gusts and pollen.
- Ensure you check weather alerts or warnings every day. The Bureau of Meteorology publishes all weather warnings including thunderstorm warnings, as well as pollen counts for all states.
People with asthma:
Ensure you keep using your prescribed asthma preventer inhaler every day, even when well. Make sure you have a valid script for your preventer to ensure you aren’t left with no supply. Make sure you have an asthma action plan in place, so you know how to handle an emergency situation. If you haven’t got an asthma action plan, speak to your doctor about writing one. Ensure you have an in-date reliever inhaler (usually blue or grey in colour) and spacer, if you don’t this can be easily obtained without a prescription by simply asking your friendly pharmacist.
People with hayfever but not asthma:
Use a steroid nasal spray every day during the pollen season and take an anti-histamine daily. Remember, if you have an anti-histamine that works for you, stick with it.
If you have uncontrolled asthma, hayfever or allergies, have a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist about what treatments are best for you to prepare for this season.
Signs you are having an asthma attack:
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty breathing
References:
https://asthma.org.au/triggers/thunderstorm-asthma/
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/thunderstorm-asthma.aspx
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/thunderstorm-asthma
http://www.bom.gov.au/index.php
DISCLAIMER: This material contains general information about medical conditions and treatments and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or professional advice, nor should it be used for the purposes of diagnosing or treating any illness. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your local pharmacist or health provider to obtain professional advice relevant to your specific circumstances.
