Thunderstorm Asthma Peak Season: October to December - Are You Prepared?

Introduction

• As the weather starts to warm up in North east Victoria, so does the grass start to grow as well as a increase of thunderstorms.

  
  

• The peak season occurring from October to December

  
  

• Thunderstorm asthma occurs when a specific type of thunderstorm triggers severe asthma symptoms in people with asthma, undiagnosed asthma, or hay fever.

  take the

  Asthma control Questionnaire https://asthma.org.au/asthma-control-questionnaire/

  
  

  

Understanding Thunderstorm Asthma

• High pollen levels, particularly from rye grass, are swept up by wind and then burst open in the moist air of a thunderstorm, releasing tiny pollen particles that are inhaled deep into the lungs, causing airways to tighten.

• Symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and difficulty breathing, and can become life-threatening.

  
  
  
  

Preparing for the Peak Season

• Manage your asthma and hay fever: Use your preventer medication as prescribed, even before the pollen season starts. 

• Stay indoors: during forecasts of high pollen counts and thunderstorms. 

• Keep windows and doors closed: during these times to prevent pollen and allergens from entering your home. 

• Use fans: or air conditioning on the recirculate setting. 

  
  

Monitoring Weather Conditions

• Monitor pollen levels:  check the Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma risk forecast. 

  
  
  
  

Creating an Emergency Plan

• To lower the chance of having thunderstorm asthma when it is a known trigger for you, it is best to have good asthma management year-round.   

  This means:   

  • using your preventer especially during the spring thunderstorm season   

  • keeping your hay fever under control and taking any necessary hay fever medication 

  • checking pollen levels and where possible avoid being outside on these days.  

  • being prepared. Have your scripts and supply of your asthma and hay fever medicines ready for the thunderstorm asthma and pollen seasons.  

  VicEmergency APP

  VIC Emergency is a centralised website for Victorians to find emergency information and warnings. The website has a real-time map display with incidents across the state including thunderstorm asthma warnings.  

  Visit the website to download the mobile app.  

  
  

Management of Thunderstorm Asthma

• What to do if you think you're having an asthma attack during a thunderstorm

  1. Sit upright: and give reassurance. 

  2. Take four separate puffs: of your blue/grey reliever medication immediately, using a spacer if possible. 

  3. Do not leave the person alone: and seek medical help or call triple zero (000) if symptoms are severe. 

     Book in a First aid course today to learn how to manage Asthma www.northeasttraining.com.au