Understanding thunderstorm asthma and who is at risk
South-eastern Australia faces a trusted health challenge every year as the grass pollen peak coincides with storm season. Thunderstorm asthma occurs when rain and humidity cause pollen grains to rupture into tiny sub-pollen particles, which are then driven to ground level by storm winds. These particles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, posing a serious risk to people with asthma, hay fever, or pollen sensitivities. Grass pollen, particularly ryegrass, often peaks around November in Victoria, making this a high-risk period for residents in Melbourne and surrounding areas.
People who are most at risk include those with asthma that is poorly controlled, anyone with asthma symptoms (even if undiagnosed), and people with hay fever who react to grass pollen. The 2016 Melbourne Thunderstorm Asthma event tragically demonstrated how quickly the situation can escalate, with thousands presenting to emergency departments and several lives lost. While such events are unpredictable, preparation, awareness, and good asthma management can reduce danger.
What you should do now to stay safe
Asthma Australia emphasizes practical steps that individuals can take before and during the storm season. Start with a clear plan and ensure you are using preventive medication as prescribed.
- Review asthma control: Schedule a GP visit to review your asthma management. Confirm you are using your preventer inhaler daily as prescribed and that you have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan. The plan should outline how to adjust treatment and when to seek urgent care if symptoms worsen.
- Rethink reliever use: The latest guidelines discourage relying on a blue reliever inhaler alone. If you currently use only a reliever, discuss adding an anti-inflammatory component that combines preventer and reliever medications to better control the condition during high-risk days.
- Keep your inhalers handy: On days with high pollen or potential storms, carry your reliever and ensure your daily preventer is being used as prescribed. Do not delay treatment if symptoms worsen.
- Manage hay fever proactively: Use nasal steroids and other recommended treatments to reduce sensitivity to pollen. The aim is to lessen pollen-triggered inflammation that can compound asthma risk during a storm.
- Stay informed with pollen forecasts: Use reliable tools such as PollenForecast.com.au and the AirRater app (airrater.org) for real-time pollen levels and storm warnings. These forecasts help you plan activities and minimize exposure on high-risk days.
Practical tips for storm days
On days when pollen counts are high and storms are forecast, take simple precautions to reduce exposure:
- Stay indoors with windows closed where possible, especially during heavy rainfall or gusty winds.
- Keep your reliever inhaler within reach and have your Asthma Action Plan ready to guide your response if symptoms start.
- Limit outdoor activity during peak pollen dispersal and downpours if you have a history of thunderstorm-related symptoms.
- Monitor local weather and pollen alerts, adjusting plans as needed to protect your breathing.
What the data and experts say
Dr. Chris Pearce, a GP and Asthma Australia Board Member, stresses that thunderstorm asthma can escalate quickly and be life-threatening for some. His guidance emphasizes checking control with a GP, using preventers as prescribed, and maintaining an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan. For those who rely on inhalers, staying informed about evolving guidelines and consulting a clinician about anti-inflammatory options is essential for long-term protection.
People with hay fever should also take pollen exposure seriously. Even if you have never been diagnosed with asthma, sensitivity to ryegrass pollen can trigger respiratory symptoms during thunderstorm events. Those experiencing wheeze, night coughing, or shortness of breath on high pollen days should seek GP assessment for asthma evaluation.
Takeaway: stay prepared this season
Preparation is the best defense against thunderstorm asthma. By reviewing your asthma control, keeping essential medications handy, managing hay fever, and monitoring daily pollen and storm forecasts, you can reduce risk and stay safer when the weather turns windy and wet. For Victorians, local health advisories and resources from Asthma Australia and national pollen forecasts are valuable tools in protecting your lungs this season.
