Spring Hay Fever and Thunderstorm Asthma: Don't Wait for October!

Spring brings more than hay fever

For many Victorians, spring means sneezing, itchy eyes and hay fever. But for some people, grass pollen can also trigger asthma.

Victoria's grass pollen and thunderstorm asthma season runs from October to December. Under particular weather conditions, thunderstorms can break grass pollen into tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, triggering sudden asthma symptoms in large numbers of people.

Importantly, you do not need to have diagnosed asthma to be at risk.

Who is at risk?

People at increased risk include those with:

• current asthma;
• asthma in the past;
• spring hay fever; or
• symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or persistent cough.

The risk is particularly important for people who have both asthma and hay fever, especially if their asthma is not well controlled.

Prepare before the season starts

If you have asthma, now is a good time to make sure it is well controlled.

Check that you:

• are taking your preventer medication as prescribed;
• have a reliever available (check the expiry date) and know how to use it; and
• have an up-to-date asthma action plan.

If you have had asthma in the past, or usually think of yourself as having "just hay fever" but sometimes cough, wheeze or become short of breath, it is worth discussing this with your GP before October.

Watch the forecast

Victoria provides epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecasts during the grass pollen season.

If you are at risk and a thunderstorm asthma event is forecast, go indoors before the storm arrives, close doors and windows, and avoid the wind gusts ahead of the storm.

Thunderstorm asthma can develop quickly. If you develop breathing difficulty, use your asthma reliever and follow your asthma action plan or asthma first aid instructions.

If you have severe or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty - call Triple Zero (000).

Don't wait for October

The best time to prepare is before the grass pollen season begins.

If you have asthma, previous asthma or troublesome spring hay fever, September is an ideal time to review your treatment and make sure you are ready.

To discuss your asthma or hay fever treatment, or review your asthma action plan, book with your GP at https://www.ripponleamedical.com.au/bookingsor call Ripponlea Medical on

This information is general in nature and is not intended to replace individual medical advice.

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