Thunderstorm Asthma

As the grass pollen season approaches in Victoria, it’s crucial to prepare, especially for those with asthma, hay fever, or other respiratory issues. Here are some key steps to take:

1. Consult Your Doctor: If your child has a history of asthma, discuss preventive measures and updating their asthma action plan.
    
2. Manage Hay Fever: If your child suffers from hay fever, seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor for an appropriate treatment plan. They may also recommend having an asthma reliever puffer on hand.
    
3. Monitor Symptoms: If your child experiences wheezing or coughing along with hay fever, ensure they don’t have undiagnosed asthma. Discuss this with your doctor and establish an asthma action plan.
    
4. Limit Outdoor Exposure: During thunderstorms, particularly from October to December, try to stay indoors, especially during pre-storm wind gusts. Close doors and windows, and set your air conditioning to ‘recirculate’.

Taking these precautions can help protect your family during pollen season. 

For more detailed information, consult your healthcare provider or visit the Better Health Channel website.