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Thunderstorm asthma
Thunderstorm asthma can occur when high levels of grass pollen combine with certain thunderstorm conditions.
During some thunderstorms, in humid conditions, grass pollen can absorb water and break into smaller allergen particles. These smaller particles can be breathed deep into the lungs and can trigger asthma symptoms quickly.
Thunderstorm asthma is uncommon and requires specific weather conditions. Not every thunderstorm will cause thunderstorm asthma.
Check the pollen forecast between October and December each year for metropolitan Adelaide.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing and coughing.
The symptoms can escalate quickly and may become life threatening.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if your or someone you know:
- has severe difficulty breathing
- cannot speak comfortably
- has blue lips
- feels faint or is getting worse quickly
- is not improving after asthma first aid, even if they have never been diagnosed with asthma.
Who is at risk of thunderstorm asthma?
People may be at increased risk of thunderstorm asthma if they:
- have asthma
- have hay fever, particularly during spring
- have asthma symptoms, but have not been diagnosed with asthma.
Some people may experience symptoms event even if they have never been diagnosed with asthma. Adults who are sensitive to grass pollen and have seasonal hay fever may have a higher risk of thunderstorm asthma.
If you have hay fever or asthma symptoms, speak with your doctor about managing your symptoms before the pollen season begins.
Prepare for thunderstorm asthma
Managing asthma and allergies is an important part of preparing for thunderstorm asthma.
If you have hay fever, speak with your doctor of pharmacist about managing your symptoms during pollen season.
If you have asthma:
- check your asthma action plan is up to date
- take your asthma medicines as prescribed
- know how and when to use your reliever medicine
- keep your reliever medicine with you
- know asthma first aid.
When high pollen levels and thunderstorms are forecast
Symptoms may be highest from mid-afternoon through the evening when thunderstorms are forecast during the grass pollen season and may continue for some hours, even after the storm has passed.
If you are at risk of thunderstorm asthma:
- stay indoors where possible before and during the thunderstorm.
- go indoors, where possible, and close windows and doors
- use recirculated air in cars and air conditioning, where possible
- take your medication as directed, if prescribed
- keep your asthma reliever medicine with you, if prescribed
- follow your asthma action plan, if you have one
- monitor your symptoms closely.
If symptoms are severe, are getting worse quickly or are not improving with your usual asthma treatment, call Triple Zero (000).