Thunderstorm asthma in Melbourne can affect people with asthma, hay fever or a grass pollen allergy when high grass pollen levels and specific weather conditions come together. Symptoms of thunderstorm asthma may be caused by inhaling allergenic pollen particles that are released into the air under thunderstorm conditions and can result in breathing difficulties. It can affect people who have never experienced asthma before.
In Victoria, the period of high risk is usually from October to December when the concentration of grass pollen is relatively high. While epidemics of thunderstorm asthma are rare, symptoms of the illness may develop suddenly and sometimes require urgent medical attention.
Learning who may be affected, checking official forecasts and preparing before a thunderstorm may help you respond quickly and safely.
What Is Thunderstorm Asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma is caused by the combination of weather conditions and pollen particles in the air resulting in symptoms of asthma. During some thunderstorms, grass pollen particles may be transported with strong winds and split up into smaller particles small enough to reach the lower airways once inhaled.
These particles may trigger inflammation and swelling of the airways leading to wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath in susceptible people. An epidemic thunderstorm asthma event happens when many people develop asthma symptoms at once.
Unlike hay fever, which affects the upper airways, asthma affects the airways of the lungs. As a result, a person who has seasonal hay fever may have symptoms of asthma during a thunderstorm asthma event.
Why Is Melbourne Prone to Thunderstorm Asthma?
High grass pollen levels and spring weather conditions make Melbourne vulnerable to thunderstorm asthma. Typically, the number of grass pollen particles starts growing in October and remains high until December although it may vary greatly day-to-day.
Melbourne experienced a major epidemic thunderstorm asthma event in November 2016 when thousands of people developed breathing difficulties during a short time. However, not every thunderstorm leads to epidemic thunderstorm asthma since the risk depends on the combination of particular conditions in the air and environment. A thunderstorm forecast on its own does not mean an epidemic event will take place.
Who Is at the Highest Risk of Thunderstorm Asthma?
People who suffer from asthma, hay fever or have previously experienced difficulty breathing during a thunderstorm have a higher chance of developing symptoms. Other groups who may experience thunderstorm asthma include people who have undiagnosed asthma since some of them have breathing difficulty or wheezing without realising that it is a sign of the illness.
The following categories of people should consult a doctor:
- People with asthma: especially those with poorly-controlled or recurrent asthma attacks;
- People with hay fever: especially those with seasonal symptoms caused by grass pollen;
- People with both asthma and hay fever: having both these diseases increases the risk during the grass pollen season;
- People with undiagnosed asthma: these people experience breathing difficulties or wheezing without knowing that it is asthma;
- People who have had thunderstorm asthma symptoms before: such history may serve as the reason to consult a doctor regarding future risks.
However, it does not mean that all people with hay fever will develop thunderstorm asthma. People with recurring spring allergy symptoms, unexplained wheezing or breathing difficulty during thunderstorms need a consultation with a GP.
How Can You Prepare for Thunderstorm Asthma?
It is important to be ready for thunderstorm asthma if you have asthma, hay fever or other breathing difficulties in spring. Management of existing symptoms and actions to take in case of a thunderstorm should be discussed with your GP before it takes place.
The Victorian Department of Health publishes an epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast from October to December, during the grass pollen season. This forecast shows whether the risk is low, moderate or high up to three days ahead and allows you to prepare accordingly.
People with asthma should review their prescribed medication and asthma action plan with their GP before the grass pollen season. People with hay fever may consult a GP about the management of their symptoms and possibility of asthma.
During a high risk of thunderstorm asthma, the official recommendations state that people should stay inside, close windows and doors and avoid being exposed to the wind before the storm comes. It is also recommended to turn off air conditioning that draws in air from outside.
The forecast gives an idea of the risk of the epidemic but it does not mean that an event will definitely happen. The low risk of thunderstorm asthma does not mean that asthma and hay fever should not be managed.
What Should You Do If You Have Thunderstorm Asthma Symptoms?
Thunderstorm asthma symptoms may include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Thunderstorm asthma symptoms may develop suddenly and even in people without previously diagnosed asthma.
Any difficulty breathing should not be ignored since the symptoms of asthma may worsen suddenly. It is necessary to act fast to get help.
| Situation | Recommended response |
|---|---|
| Mild asthma symptoms | Follow your prescribed asthma action plan or current Australian asthma first aid. |
| Persistent or worsening symptoms | Continue the appropriate asthma first aid and seek medical help. |
| Severe breathing difficulty | Call 000 immediately. |
People who do not have a written asthma action plan should use recognised Australian asthma first aid guidance. The National Asthma Council Australia provides instructions for various inhalers and age categories.
If you experience severe symptoms, you should call 000 immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. Urgent medical help is also recommended if you do not know the cause of the breathing difficulty.
When Should You See a Doctor About Your Risks?
It is worth visiting your GP if you have recurring spring hay fever, unexplained wheezing or chest tightness during thunderstorms. People with diagnosed asthma may have an appointment to check symptom control and an asthma action plan before the grass pollen season.
General medicine services at Clarendon Medical include asthma action plans. Seeking advice before experiencing any symptoms may help you understand what to do in case of the risk of thunderstorm asthma.
Staying Informed During Melbourne’s Pollen Season
Melbourne’s thunderstorm asthma risk varies during grass pollen season. Monitoring this risk requires following the official forecasts instead of watching storm clouds.
The Victorian Government publishes the current risk information on VicEmergency. Residents of Melbourne can set up a watch zone to get notifications about the forecast and warnings affecting them.
For people with asthma or hay fever, staying informed about their risk should be an additional step in the process of keeping healthy. It is essential to know how to manage your individual risk.
FAQs
Q1: When is thunderstorm asthma season in Melbourne?
A1: The epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecasting season in Victoria runs from 1 October to 31 December. This period coincides with the main grass pollen season although levels of grass pollen and weather conditions vary each day.
Q2: Can thunderstorm asthma affect people who do not have asthma?
A2: Yes. People with hay fever or grass pollen allergy may experience symptoms of asthma during the event even without the previous diagnosis of this disease.
Q3: Does every thunderstorm cause thunderstorm asthma?
A3: No. An epidemic thunderstorm asthma event requires a unique combination of environmental factors including grass pollen and special weather conditions during a thunderstorm. Not every thunderstorm results in an epidemic of the illness.
Q4: How can I check Melbourne’s thunderstorm asthma risk?
A4: Check the epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast published by the Victorian Department of Health.
Q5: Can thunderstorm asthma be life-threatening?
A5: Yes. Symptoms of a severe asthma attack may be dangerous to health and life, including in people without previously diagnosed asthma. Call 000 immediately in case of severe breathing difficulty, inability to speak comfortably, collapsing and other signs of asthma emergency.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Consult your doctor regarding your individual circumstances.
