Thunderstorm Asthma
Thunderstorm Asthma is a term we have all heard of now. It occurred in Melbourne last November where sadly nine people died as a result and ambulance services were stretched to the limit. So what exactly is it?
Thunderstorm Asthma can occur when there are high levels of pollen in the air combined with hot, windy, humid weather conditions. Ryegrass pollen in Spring is released into the air and blown with the wind. The usual pollen size is relatively large and so becomes trapped in the upper airways like the nose and throat. It does not easily reach the lungs.
During a particular type of thunderstorm however, pollen grains absorb moisture, start to swell and then burst into hundreds of tiny pollen starch particles. Storm winds blow these particles to the ground where they are easily inhaled deep into the lungs.
The lungs become irritated, linings become swollen, narrower and more mucus is formed.
People with asthma can be affected but interestingly those with severe hay fever are also affected even if they have never been diagnosed with asthma.
Thunderstorms are more common in Spring so be aware of the pollen count especially on windy days www.sydneypollen.com.au
What can you do to reduce your risk?
- Firstly see your doctor to make sure that your hay fever due to grass pollen is well treated.
- Regular use of nasal corticosteroid sprays is more effective than antihistamine tablets for severe hay fever, and both treatments can be used together.
- Always carry your blue reliever puffer
- Take your daily preventer and hay fever nasal spray if prescribed
- Avoid going outside just before and after the thunderstorm
- Close windows and doors
- Follow your asthma plan or asthma first aid steps
- If symptoms are quickly worsening call 000.
Bushfire Season
With the recent controlled bush burn off, smoke and increased air pollution can trigger asthma symptoms – wheezing, breathlessness, persistent coughing and chest tightness.
To limit exposure to the smoke, reduce outdoor activity, close windows and doors and use recirculated air in the car. Make sure you have more than one blue reliever medication with you in case one runs out.
Do you have an asthma plan?
An asthma action plan helps the person with asthma and/or their carer recognise worsening asthma and gives clear instructions on what to do in response.
Click here to see an example of an Asthma Plan
How to recognise signs of a asthma flare-up or attack
If you are experiencing any of these signs, start asthma first aid. Do not wait until asthma is severe. Remember anyone can develop asthma at any age.
| Mild / Moderate |
| Minor difficulty breathing |
| Able to talk in full sentences |
| Able to walk/move around |
| May have cough or wheeze |
|
Commence Asthma First Aid |
| Severe |
| Obvious difficulty breathing |
| Cannot speak a full sentence in one breath |
| Tugging in of the skin between ribs or at base of neck |
| May have cough or wheeze |
| Reliever medication not lasting as long as usual |
| Call Ambulance on 000 Commence Asthma First Aid |
| Life threatening |
| Gasping for breath |
| Unable to speak or 1-2 words per breath |
| Confused or exhausted |
| Turning blue |
| Collapsing |
| May no longer have wheeze or cough |
| Not responding to reliever medication |
| Call Ambulance on 000 Commence Asthma First Aid |
If you are experiencing a severe or life-threatening asthma attack, call an ambulance – Dial Triple Zero (000) and then start asthma first aid.
Learn more about First Aid for asthma here: https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/asthma-first-aid
Sister Margaret Bates
College Nurse
