Understanding thunderstorm asthma season
South-eastern Australia faces a critical period each year when thunderstorms coincide with high pollen counts. Thunderstorm asthma can rapidly worsen symptoms for people with asthma and hay fever, especially when grass pollen peaks in November. During storms, rain and moisture cause pollen grains to absorb water and rupture into tiny sub-pollen particles (SPPs). Wind from the storm can push these tiny particles down to ground level, making it easier to inhale them and trigger dangerous reactions.
Who is at risk?
Anyone with asthma or hay fever can be affected, but the risk is highest for those with poorly controlled asthma or those who experience hay fever symptoms during high pollen days. Importantly, even people who have never been diagnosed with asthma but experience wheeze, shortness of breath, night coughing, or chest tightness during pollen surges should seek a GP assessment. In past events, large numbers of people seeking emergency care didn’t have a formal asthma diagnosis, underscoring the need for vigilance across the community.
What you should do now to stay safe
1) Check and optimize asthma control
Consult your GP to review your asthma control. Use your preventer inhaler daily as prescribed and ensure your Asthma Action Plan is up to date. The latest guidelines recommend not relying on a blue reliever inhaler alone. Anti-inflammatory relievers (a combination inhaler with preventer and reliever) are now preferred for many patients to reduce the risk of severe symptoms during thunderstorm events.
2) Be prepared with the right medicines
Keep your reliever inhaler close by on days with high pollen and storm forecasts. If you have a known allergy to grass pollen, continue prescribed hay fever treatments (including nasal steroids) to reduce sensitivities. Discuss any changes to your medications with your GP, especially if you’ve noticed nighttime coughing or shortness of breath during pollen peaks.
3) Track pollen and storm forecasts
Monitoring real-time pollen and storm information helps you plan safer activities. Use trusted tools such as the National Pollen Forecast Service (PollenForecast.com.au) and the AirRater app (airrater.org). These resources provide daily guidance on pollen levels and storm risk, enabling you to decide when to stay indoors or minimize outdoor exposure.
Practical day-to-day tips during high-risk days
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when rain and storms are forecast, especially during peak pollen periods.
- Keep your reliever inhaler readily accessible and use it as directed if symptoms flare.
- Rinse nasal passages if hay fever symptoms are present and consider nasal steroids to reduce pollen sensitivity.
- Avoid outdoor exercise in peak pollen times if you’re particularly sensitive, and choose indoor workouts on storm days.
Remember Melbourne’s thunderstorm event and lessons learned
The devastating 2016 thunderstorm asthma event in Melbourne underscored how quickly a public health crisis can emerge. Over 3,500 people sought emergency care and 10 lives were lost. Many affected were not formally diagnosed with asthma, illustrating the importance of awareness, testing, and action for both asthma and hay fever sufferers.
Takeaway for Victorians
During this high-risk season, prevention and preparedness are essential. By regularly checking asthma control, staying up to date with inhaler therapy, watching pollen forecasts, and following official health guidance, you can reduce your risk and stay safer when storms and grasses pollen converge.
