Whether it’s a walk along the Mullum Mullum Creek or spending time with family at Ringwood Lake, spring is a lovely time in Ringwood, but it also brings grass pollen. In Victoria, grass pollen season usually runs from 1 October to 31 December. On certain stormy days, high pollen levels can trigger thunderstorm asthma in Melbourne.
Preparing ahead is a sensible step.
This guide explains what thunderstorm asthma is, who is at risk and how Ringwood residents can prepare. It also covers when to see a GP.
What Is Thunderstorm Asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma can happen when there is a lot of grass pollen in the air. It also happens during a certain type of thunderstorm.
People can breathe these deep into their lungs, where they can quickly trigger asthma symptoms. This can happen even to people who have never had asthma.
When many people develop symptoms over a short time, it is called epidemic thunderstorm asthma. Melbourne had a large epidemic event on 21 November 2016. Thousands of people developed breathing difficulties in a short time. Since then, Victoria has run a risk forecasting system from 1 October to 31 December each year.
Thunderstorm Asthma Symptoms to Watch For
Thunderstorm asthma causes asthma symptoms, including:
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- chest tightness
- coughing
Please don’t ignore these symptoms. Even if you don’t think you have asthma, check with your GP.
It’s also important to know that not every thunderstorm triggers thunderstorm asthma, even on days with high pollen counts. ASCIA explains that other weather factors play a part, including:
- fast changes in wind, temperature and humidity over a short time
- strong winds, which can spread grass pollen over long distances
- rain or humid air, which can make pollen grains absorb moisture and burst open into smaller particles
Who Is at Risk of Thunderstorm Asthma?
People who are at risk include those with:
- current or past asthma
- undiagnosed asthma
- springtime hay fever, which in south-east Australia is often triggered by grass pollen
The risk is higher for people who have both asthma and hay fever, especially if their asthma is poorly controlled. If you’re not sure which group you belong to, your GP can help.
How to Prepare for Thunderstorm Asthma This Spring
If you have asthma or springtime hay fever, these steps can help you get ready for pollen season:
- See your GP early. Talk about your risk before the season peaks.
- Update your asthma action plan. This is a written plan for your usual treatment and what to do if symptoms get worse. Ask your GP to review it.
- Use your preventer as prescribed. If you have an asthma preventer, use it every day as prescribed. This matters most when pollen counts are high or storms are forecast.
- Keep your reliever close. Know where your reliever puffer is and keep it with you.
- Manage your hay fever. Better control of hay fever often helps asthma control too.
- Check the forecast. Look at the Victorian thunderstorm asthma forecast and the Melbourne pollen count each day during the season. In the VicEmergency app, you can set up a watch zone to receive a thunderstorm asthma warning for your area.
- Plan for storm days. On high pollen days, stay indoors just before, during and after thunderstorms. Close your doors and windows.
- Learn asthma first aid. Everyone in the community can benefit from knowing it.
Asthma First Aid and When to Call 000
Learn about emergency first aid through National Asthma Council Australia, where they explain urgent responses when asthma triggers. The steps may differ for children under 12 and for different types of reliever, so please check the right instructions.
Call 000 immediately if:
- the person is not breathing
- their asthma suddenly gets worse or isn’t improving
- they are having an asthma attack and there is no reliever available
- you aren’t sure if it is asthma
- they have a known risk of anaphylaxis (give their adrenaline autoinjector first, then reliever)
When to See a GP
Book a visit if:
- you have wheeze, cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath, especially in spring
- you have asthma and haven’t reviewed your asthma action plan lately
- your hay fever is hard to control
- your asthma score isn’t in the target range
- you would like to talk about your risk this pollen season
- you are not sure whether you have asthma
Your GP can review your symptoms and treatment and talk through a plan for pollen season.
For asthma advice, you can also call Asthma Australia on 1800 278 462 (free call). Nurse-on-Call is on 1300 606 024.
Getting Ready for Spring With Your GP
Thunderstorm asthma can happen during grass pollen season, so it helps to know your risk. Keeping your asthma action plan up to date, treating hay fever and checking the forecast are practical steps.
The doctors at Warrandyte Road Clinic are experienced at treating both children and adults. They can review your asthma action plan and hay fever treatment with you.
If you’d like a plan in place for the season, book online or phone 03 9870 9000.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is Thunderstorm Asthma Season in Melbourne?
In Victoria, grass pollen season usually runs from 1 October to 31 December. This is also when thunderstorm asthma can happen. The state forecasting system runs for the same dates.
Not every thunderstorm triggers thunderstorm asthma, but it is wise to be prepared throughout the season.
Can I Get Thunderstorm Asthma If I Have Never Had Asthma?
Yes. Thunderstorm asthma can trigger symptoms even in people who have never had asthma. People with undiagnosed asthma or springtime hay fever are among those at risk.
If you notice wheezing or shortness of breath, please see your GP. Your doctor can talk through your risk and a plan.
How Do I Check the Thunderstorm Asthma Forecast?
The daily forecast runs from 1 October to 31 December. You can find it on VicEmergency, Health.vic and the Melbourne Pollen website and app. In the VicEmergency app, you can also set up a watch zone for your area to receive advice and warnings.
Should I Stay Indoors During a Thunderstorm in Pollen Season?
If you have asthma or hay fever, yes. Try to avoid being outside during thunderstorms in grass pollen season, especially in the wind gusts before the storm.
Go inside and close your doors and windows. Stay in just before, during and after the storm.
Is Thunderstorm Asthma the Same as Hay Fever?
No. Hay fever mainly affects the nose and eyes. Thunderstorm asthma affects the lungs and can make breathing difficult. However, people with springtime hay fever are among those at risk of thunderstorm asthma.
Good control of hay fever symptoms often helps asthma control, too.
