As grass pollen season has arrived the threat of thunderstorm asthma increases dramatically with people asked to be on alert for symptoms.
Warmer weather, increased amounts of grass pollen in the air and certain types of thunderstorms, when combined, can result in an Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma (ETSA) event triggering severe asthma.
Thunderstorm asthma can cause serious health impacts for people with known and unknown conditions of asthma.
Symptoms include an itchy and runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing and/or chest tightness.
Some of these symptoms can become very severe, very quickly, and may require urgent medical assistance.
Northern Health respiratory clinical nurse consultant – asthma and allergy Sharon Rukavina,said during the 2016 event, thousands of people suddenly had asthma attacks, therefore, finding it hard to breathe.
“Some had never had asthma symptoms before,” she said. “In Victoria, from October to December, thunderstorm asthma results from a combination of high grass pollen counts, such as ryegrass, and specific weather conditions.
“Strong winds carry the pollen, while storms or moisture break open the pollen grains, releasing ultrafine particles into the air.”
“These particles are small enough to penetrate the lower airways, potentially triggering severe asthma symptoms in those that are susceptible”
A comprehensive review of the 2016 Melbourne thunderstorm asthma incident revealed that it primarily affected individuals sensitive to grass pollens.
Ms Rukavina said those who have poorly controlled asthma or springtime hayfever are recommended to see their GP.
She urges everyone in the community to be able to recognise the symptoms of someone having an asthma attack and to know the four steps of asthma first aid.
“It is very important not to ignore any symptoms of asthma such as wheeze, persistent cough or unexplained breathlessness,” she said. “Everyone should be able to recognise the symptoms of someone having an asthma attack and to know the four steps of asthma first aid.”
