Blackburn Primary School Weekly

Health & Wellness

🚩Thunderstorm Asthma Season Has Begun🚩

The arrival of October brings the start of grass pollen season, running from 1 October to 31 December annually, also increasing the chance of Thunderstorm Asthma.

Warmer weather, increased amounts of grass pollen in the air and certain types of thunderstorms, when combined, can result in an Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma (ETSA) event, triggering severe asthma.

Symptoms of ETSA include an itchy and runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing and/or chest tightness. Some of these symptoms can become very severe, very quickly, and may require urgent medical assistance.

For persons experiencing mild to moderate asthma symptoms or unsure of the severity of what you’re experiencing, please contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department at https://www.vved.org.au/ for further assistance.

Expert care for your little ones, anytime, anywhere. VVED connects you with experienced doctors and nurses to guide you through any health concerns by offering specialized care for kids and children. From fever to tummy troubles, we're here to provide expert guidance and reassurance. Your child's well-being is in good hands with VVED. 🚑📞

 

From Asthma Australia:

WHO CAN GET THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA?

You might have a higher chance of a sudden asthma flare-up triggered by a thunderstorm if you have:   

  • seasonal hay fever   
  • current asthma   
  • a history of asthma 
  • undiagnosed asthma.   

The chance of having thunderstorm asthma is highest for adults who are sensitive to grass pollen and have seasonal hay fever (with or without known asthma). The worst outcomes are in people with poorly controlled asthma. 

 

WHAT CAN I DO?

To lower the chance of having thunderstorm asthma when it is a known trigger, it is best to have good asthma management year-round.  

This means:  

  • using your preventer especially during the spring thunderstorm season  
  • keeping your hay fever under control  
  • checking pollen levels and where possible avoiding being outside on these days- download Apps that monitor weather and pollen levels AirSmart 
  • being prepared. Have your scripts and supply of your asthma and hay fever medicines for the thunderstorm and pollen seasons. 

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