Preparation key for managing thunderstorm asthma risk

While seasonal hayfever (allergic rhinitis) can mostly be treated with medical therapies, people who suffer from it, especially those with asthma, should be particularly vigilant during thunderstorm asthma season which continues until the end of December. 

Associate Professor Joy Lee, who specialises in Allergy and Respiratory Medicine at The Alfred, says that despite spring nearly being over, it’s crucial that people with asthma are prepared. 

“People with asthma, particularly allergic asthma, are at risk of severe thunderstorm asthma, particularly if they aren’t taking their preventer inhalers regularly,” A/Prof Lee said.  

“Some people with hayfever without previous asthma symptoms may also experience thunderstorm asthma.” 

Thunderstorm asthma is triggered by high pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm, causing a large number of people to develop serious asthma symptoms in a short period of time. 

“The best way of preparing is to stay on top of your asthma management plan,” A/Prof Lee said. 

“If you are prescribed a preventer inhaler, be sure to take this regularly as prescribed, even if you are feeling well.” 

“At any time of year – if you suspect you have asthma, it’s critical that you go to a GP for an assessment and management plan."

A/Prof Lee’s other tips for preparing for thunderstorm asthma: 

• Stay up to date on the pollen and thunderstorm asthma forecasts.

• If there’s a thunderstorm asthma warning and you’re considered at risk, try to stay indoors, particularly during the windy period that precedes the storm. Close all doors and windows, and don’t use air conditioners that may bring air in from outside.  

• Manage hayfever with a regular intranasal steroid. 

• Make sure you and the people around you know asthma first aid and how to manage an asthma attack. 

• Call 000 in an emergency.