Thunderstorm asthma

Thunderstorm asthma can affect those with asthma or hay fever. Be ready this grass pollen season.

What is thunderstorm asthma?

In Victoria, the grass pollen season usually runs from 1 October to 31 December. During this time, you may notice an increase in asthma and hay fever. The season also brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma.

Thunderstorm asthma can occur when there is a lot of grass pollen in the air and a specific kind of thunderstorm.

Grass pollen grains get swept up in the wind and carried for long distances. Some can burst open and release tiny particles that are concentrated in the wind gusts that come just before a thunderstorm. These particles are small enough for people to breathe deep into their lungs and can rapidly trigger asthma symptoms, even in those who have never had asthma before.

When many people develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time during these conditions, it is known as epidemic thunderstorm asthma.

Who is at risk of thunderstorm asthma?

People at risk of thunderstorm asthma include those with:

• current or past asthma
• undiagnosed asthma
• springtime hay fever (noting in south-east Australia, springtime hay fever is often triggered by grass pollen).

The risk is even higher for people who have both asthma and hay fever, especially if their asthma is poorly controlled.

Even if you don't think you have asthma, don't ignore symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath – check with your GP.

Know asthma first aid

It’s important for everyone in the community to know asthma first aid.

One of the most common reliever medications in Australia is salbutamol, often known as your ‘blue/grey puffer’ (brand names include Airomir, Asmol, Ventolin and Zempreon). These are available over the counter from a chemist. Bricanyl Turbuhaler (terbutaline 500 mcg) is a different blue reliever medication available over the counter.

If you are not sure if someone is having an asthma attack, you can still use a blue/grey reliever medication because it is unlikely to cause harm.

Note: The first aid steps in this video refer to the blue/grey reliever puffer for people 12 years of age and older using salbutamol. See other asthma first aid instructions if the person is under the age of 12 or uses a different reliever medication.

Call triple zero (000) immediately if:

• the person is not breathing
• their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving
• the person is having an asthma attack and there’s no reliever medication available
• the person is unsure if it is asthma
• the person is known to have anaphylaxis. If this is the case, always give adrenaline autoinjector first, and then reliever, even if there are no skin symptoms.

To access this information in other languages contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 (free call) and ask them to call Nurse-on-Call (1300 60 60 24).

If you are d/Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact the National Relay Service (NRS) and ask them to call Nurse-on-Call (1300 60 60 24).

Related information

• Melbourne Pollen Count and Forecast or download the app (App Store or Google Play) – to stay informed about pollen counts and pollen forecast
• Victorian Department of Health - Epidemic thunderstorm asthma – for health professionals, government agencies and organisations
• National Asthma Council Australia – Asthma action plans
• National Asthma Council – Asthma First Aid
• ASCIA - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy

Where to get help

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
• Nurse-on-Call Tel. 1300 606 024 (24 hours, 7 days) – for expert health information and advice
• 13 SICK Tel. 13 74 25 – for after-hours home GP visits (bulk billed)
• Urgent Care Clinics – provide care for conditions that require treatment today but not an emergency response (extended hours)
• Asthma Australia Helpline Tel. 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462)
• Asthma Australia apps – Asthma Australia has developed apps to assist people with asthma and their carers

> Download assets and resources in the Thunderstorm asthma campaign toolkit

Content disclaimer

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