Thunderstorm asthma

During spring the grass pollen season kicks off and it's a good time to be aware of potential triggers for asthma and hay fever, especially for our little ones. Along with the usual seasonal symptoms, this time of year can also bring the risk of thunderstorm asthma.

Thunderstorm asthma happens when there's a mix of high pollen levels and certain types of thunderstorms. For children with asthma or hay fever, this can sometimes lead to more severe breathing symptoms.

In some cases, a lot of people might experience asthma symptoms all at once due to these conditions. When that happens, it’s called epidemic thunderstorm asthma—and it can catch people off guard.

Here are a few simple things you can do to keep your child safe:

• Check the pollen forecast: Keep an eye on pollen levels, especially on high-pollen days.
• Review their asthma plan: Make sure your child's asthma management plan is up-to-date, and that they have their reliever inhaler handy.
• Stay indoors during storms: If a storm is expected and pollen is high, it's best to stay inside during and just after the thunderstorm.

A little preparation can go a long way in helping your child avoid thunderstorm asthma. 

More information about Thunderstorm asthma is available on the Better Health website.

Take care!