Thunderstorm Asthma Alerts
If you are one of the 2.7 million Australians with asthma, have other respiratory problems, or even suffer from seasonal hayfever, then Spring thunderstorm season can be a real cause for concern.
Thunderstorm Asthma events are thought to be triggered by a combination of high grass pollen levels and thunderstorms. Some pollens can swell and burst. They then release tiny particles concentrated in the wind before the thunderstorm. The particles are so small they are breathed into the lungs. These tiny particles get deep into the airways and can trigger asthma symptoms.
Thunderstorm Asthma can occur in the windy period before a storm develops.
The risk of thunderstorm asthma is highest in adults who are sensitive to grass pollens and have hayfever (with or without a history of asthma).
Thunderstorm asthma is serious. In 2016, Melbourne experienced one of the worst Thunderstorm Asthma events on record, resulting in the deaths of a dozen people.
Symptoms
If you have thunderstorm asthma, a thunderstorm might trigger one or more of these symptoms:
- shortness of breath
- tightness in your chest
- wheezing when you breathe
- persistent coughing
The symptoms of thunderstorm asthma can get worse very quickly. If breathing becomes difficult, seek treatment immediately.
Remember, in the case of an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance. Say it is an Asthma emergency.
Planning
- It is a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor to review your asthma and allergy management plans each season.
- Take your preventative medication regularly and always carry your reliever with you.
- Asthma Australia is the peak body for asthmatics in Australia. Asthma Australia has developed apps to assist people with asthma and their carers. Learn more here.
- Registering for local alerts can help you prepare for a thunderstorm asthma event.
Information for your state and Territory
NSW
Riverina
Wagga Wagga and the wider Riverina district are prone to spring-time thunderstorm-triggered asthma events. This is related to elevated levels of airborne grass pollen from crops across the Riverina and pending thunderstorm activity.
Charles Sturt University and the Wagga Asthma and Collaborative of Health Professionals have established an SMS text message notification system. This is now operated by the NSW Health Murrumbidgee Local Health District. You can register for alerts on high-risk days for thunderstorm-triggered asthma. You can learn more about the NSW Health MLHD Asthma Alert Register here.
To receive an SMS alert when the pollen counts are high and thunderstorms are predicted:
Sign up for the Thunderstorm Asthma Alert Register.
Sydney
You can download the Sydney pollen count and forecast app or visit Sydney Pollen and Forecast.
ACT
Canberra
You can visit Canberra Pollen or download the Canberra Pollen Count app on your phone.
Northern Territory
Darwin
You can visit Darwin Pollen and Forecast to check the latest pollen count and forecast.
Western Australia
Perth
You can visit Perth Pollen Count and Forecast to check the latest forecast and pollen counts or download the Perth Pollen Count app on your phone.
Tasmania
Download the AirRater app.
Victoria
Health.vic and Vic Emergency have maps of Thunderstorm asthma risk forecasts each day.
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecasts will be available throughout the Victorian grass pollen season on the VicEmergency website and app. To check the forecast, visit emergency.vic.gov.au/prepare.
Melbourne
You can visit Melbourne Pollen Count and Forecast or download the Melbourne Pollen Count app on your phone.
South Australia
Adelaide
You can visit Melbourne Pollen Count and Forecast or download the Melbourne Pollen Count app on your phone. This includes information about Adelaide.
Remember, in an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance. Say it is an Asthma emergency.
