Sickbay

Liliane Karidis

First Aid Officer

Asthma And Thunderstorms

Thunderstorm asthma is a potentially dangerous mix of pollens, weather conditions and rain that can trigger severe asthma symptoms. People residing in metropolitan, regional and rural areas of Australia can be affected.

How does a thunderstorm cause asthma symptoms?

Thunderstorms cause a rapid increase in the numbers of triggers in the air such as pollens, mould, dust and changes in humidity and temperature. Breathing this air in can irritate the lining of the airway causing swelling and extra mucus to be produced. This causes the airway to narrow and triggers an asthma flare-up. These flare-ups may become severe very quickly.

Do I have to be allergic to pollens or grasses to experience thunderstorm asthma?

No. Thunderstorm asthma can affect anyone. In fact, during very severe storms, some people who have never been diagnosed with asthma may experience breathing difficulties. People who have asthma, hayfever or allergic to rye grass appear to be more at risk of being affected by thunderstorm asthma. If you have asthma and/or hayfever, be alert to the potential dangers of thunderstorm asthma and be prepared.

What do I do if a thunderstorm is forecast?

It is important to be aware of high pollen count days and forecasted thunderstorms (particularly in the months of spring) as the combination of the two can affect people with asthma and hayfever. Information on weather alerts can be found on The Bureau of Meteorology website and State Health Department’s issue important health alerts and warnings.

1. Always carry your blue/grey reliever with you (Ventolin, Asmol, Airomir)
2. Know the signs of worsening asthma and the asthma first aid steps

• If you start developing any signs of asthma, get your blue reliever and follow the asthma first aid steps (see attached).
• If at any point you are concerned your asthma is rapidly worsening, please call 000 and say you are having an asthma attack.

1. If you know you are sensitive to pollen, you may wish to stay inside on high pollen and windy days, and during and after a thunderstorm. It appears that keeping windows and doors closed may assist in reducing exposure. However, this may not always help and you should remain alert to the signs of your asthma is worsening.

Call emergency assistance immediately (Dial 000)

• If the person is not breathing
• If the person’s asthma suddenly becomes worse, or is not improving
• If the person is having as asthma attack and a reliever is not available
• If you are not sure if it’s asthma
• If the person is known to have Anaphylaxis – follow their Anaphylaxis Action Plan, then give Asthma First Aid.

Head Lice 

The schooI holidays are an ideal time to eliminate head lice. I seek your cooperation in checking your child’s hair and in those instances where head lice or eggs are found, treating your child’s hair.

Please refer to the link below for more information and guidelines regarding detecting and treating head lice and eggs.

http://www.health.vic.gov.au/headlice/

Thank you in advance for your assistance.