Northern Health has sent out a pollen and thunderstorm warning as summer approaches.
Grass pollen season occurs from October to December 31 annually, bringing an increased risk of Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma (ETSA).
Warmer weather, increased amounts of grass pollen in the air and certain types of thunderstorms, when combined, can result in an ETSA event, potentially triggering severe asthma. Symptoms of ETSA 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.
Director of respiratory medicine at Northern Health Dr Katharine See explained that people with a history of asthma or hay fever are more likely to be affected by thunderstorm asthma.
“Thunderstorm asthma occurs when pollen particles are sucked up into thunderstorm clouds where they release microparticles. These micropollens are showered down at the start of a storm and being so small, are able to get deep into the lungs where they are able to cause severe symptoms,” she said.
“When a storm is coming, stay inside with the doors and windows closed – don’t let that micropollen in!”
For people experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of asthma or are unsure of the severity of what you’re experiencing, it is best to contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department for further assistance, visit your GP or attend your closest Priority Primary Care Centre.
For life-threatening emergencies, it is important to head straight for the nearest emergency department.
Gerald Lynch
