With thunderstorm season already underway from the start of October, the Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit (GVPHU) is urging people who experience asthma and hay fever to prepare now and protect themselves from the risk of thunderstorm asthma.

GVPHU clinical director Will Cross urged locals to be aware of the importance of preparation.

“If you have asthma or experience seasonal asthma, it's important to have an up-to-date asthma action plan and manage your symptoms with advice from your GP”, Dr Cross said.

“An asthma action plan is a simple guide created with your doctor to help you manage your asthma and know what to do if your symptoms get worse.

"Make sure you have your asthma medication with you at all times during this high-risk season.”

What Is Thunderstorm Asthma?

Thunderstorm asthma is a rare weather-related event that typically occurs during the grass pollen season.

Thunderstorms sweep up pollen grains into the air which absorb moisture and break into tiny particles, releasing the internal allergens.

These particles can enter deeper into the lungs and trigger sudden asthma flare-ups, particularly in people with pre-existing asthma or hay fever.

Episodes triggered during these events can be much more severe than regular asthma attacks, so even those with mild pre-existing conditions should be prepared.

Who is at Risk?

You are at higher risk of thunderstorm asthma if you:

• Experience seasonal hay fever

• Have current asthma

• Have a history of asthma

• Have undiagnosed asthma

How to Protect Yourself:

The GVPHU recommends the following steps to reduce the risk of thunderstorm asthma when it is a known trigger:

1. Use your preventer medication: If you have been prescribed a preventer inhaler, use it as directed, especially during spring.

2. Manage hay fever symptoms: Keep hay fever symptoms under control with advice from your GP or pharmacist, as this can help prevent asthma flare-ups, particularly during thunderstorm events.

3. Monitor pollen forecasts daily: Check daily pollen forecasts through the Vic Emergency website or app. Try to stay indoors on high pollen days.

4. Be prepared: Keep your and loved one’s asthma action plans up to date and ensure you have enough medication on hand, including inhalers and antihistamines. Learn asthma first aid, so you’ll know the 4 steps to follow. If symptoms do not improve after first aid, call 000.

For more information and resources on thunderstorm asthma, visit:

www.gvhealth.org.au/public-health-unit or www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstorm-asthma.