Thunderstorm asthma

Thunderstorm asthma is triggered by thunderstorms when there are high amounts of grass pollen in the air, typically between October and December.

It can result in people wheezing, feeling short of breath and tight in the chest when coughing.

Are you at risk?

You are at risk of thunderstorm asthma if you:

  • have asthma (or have had asthma in the past)
  • have hayfever (allergy affecting the nose) during spring.

If you feel short of breath, tight in the chest, wheeze or cough during pollen season, you might have undiagnosed asthma.

Protect yourself

You can protect yourself and those in your care by following these simple steps:

  • Monitor the epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast on the VicEmergency app (Google Play or App Store).
  • Don’t go outdoors in a storm, especially during the winds that precede them.
  • Take your preventative medication as directed, even when you’re symptom-free.
  • Carry your reliever and learn how to manage an asthma attack.
  • Follow your asthma action plan.

Resources

For up-to-date information on epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk, including the risk forecast, advice and warnings, visit the Vic Emergency thunderstorm asthma page.

More information:

  • Download the VicEmergency app (Google Play or App Store) and set up a 'watch zone'.
  • The epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast, as well as up to date grass pollen count and grass pollen forecast information, is available on the Melbourne Pollen Count and Forecast website or app (Google Play or App Store).

 

 

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