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Barwon Health / Barwon South West Public Health Unit

(03) 4215 4000

Thunderstorm asthma now on radar

Wednesday, 19 October 2022

During grass pollen season people may notice an increase in asthma and hay fever. Grass pollen season (October through to December) also brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma.

Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm. For people who have asthma or hay fever this can trigger severe asthma symptoms.

When a large number of people develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time, related to high grass pollen and a certain type of thunderstorm, it is known as epidemic thunderstorm asthma. To learn more, visit the Epidemic thunderstorm asthma fact sheet.

If you have current, past or undiagnosed asthma or seasonal hay fever you are at increased risk of thunderstorm asthma. So be prepared to manage any symptoms and stay out of hospital.

You can protect yourself and those in your care by following these simple steps:

  • Monitor the epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast on the VicEmergency app.
  • Don’t be outdoors in a storm, especially during the winds that precede them.
  • Take your preventative medication as directed, even when you’re symptom free.
  • Carry your reliever and know how to manage an asthma attack.
  • Follow your asthma action plan or use the 4 steps of asthma first aid

For more information on thunderstorm asthma click here.