Thunderstorm Asthma

Spring and summer are peak thunderstorm asthma seasons. If you suffer from hay fever or asthma, please keep reading and be prepared:

What is thunderstorm asthma and why does it matter?

Thunderstorm asthma is when a lot of people can all have severe, potentially fatal asthma attacks all at the same time, due to fine pollen particles being released into the air just before a thunderstorm breaks.

It matters because it is a very easily preventable cause of death. If you have hay fever or asthma and are prepared you will likely be OK.

When does it occur:

It occurs every few years, generally in spring, when pollen counts are highest. This tends to occur from October through to December.

Who is at risk:

·        Anyone who gets hay fever

·        Anyone who has ever had asthma-this includes people who wheeze or cough from time to time, but might not have been diagnosed with asthma.

What you can do to be prepared:

·        If you have been prescribed a preventer puffer make sure you are taking it through the thunderstorm asthma season. This was the difference for many people between being dead and alive.

·        Book in with the doctors at Ripponlea Medical to create an asthma action plan if you have asthma or think you may have asthma

·        If you have hay fever with a cough or wheeze-you may have asthma-book in to get it checked

·        Learn what to do during a thunderstorm asthma event-see below

·        Have your asthma puffers on hand

Recognising symptoms of asthma:

Symptoms of asthma vary. They can include but don’t have to include all of the following:

·        wheezing

·        breathlessness

·        a feeling of tightness in the chest

·        a cough

What to do during a thunderstorm asthma event:

·        Stay inside and shut all windows and doors

·        Wear a mask

·        Have reliever medication available (such as Ventolin) and know how to use it

For more information:

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/thunderstorm-asthma#when-do-epidemic-thunderstorm-asthma-events-take-place

Thunder Asthma Forecast Map:

https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/prepare/#thunderstorm-asthma-forecast

Have a look at this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMQxBZ9M8g8

 If you have any questions or concerns talk to the doctors or the practice nurse at the Ripponlea Medical

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