Health Centre

Thunderstorm Asthma

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma events are uncommon and don’t occur every year. However, when they do, they occur during grass pollen season from 1 October through 31 December.  There have been six thunderstorm asthma events in Melbourne in the past 35 years, all occurring in November.  Thunderstorm Asthma is a form of asthma that coincides with the peak grass pollen season and a certain type of thunderstorm.

Those at increased risk of thunderstorm asthma include:

• People with asthma
• People with a past history of asthma
• Those with undiagnosed asthma (i.e. people who have asthma symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed with asthma)
• People with seasonal hay fever (who may or may not have asthma)

It is difficult to predict a thunderstorm asthma event but  there are a number of things you can do to be prepared:

• Have an up to date asthma action plan and access to prescribed reliever medication
• Be aware of thunderstorm forecasts particularly on high or extreme pollen count days

Never ignore asthma symptoms like breathlessness, wheezing and tightness in the chest. Start asthma first aid immediately and call 000 if symptoms do not improve or get worse.

Download the Vic Emergency app and set up a 'watch zone' for your location to receive advice and warnings about potential epidemic thunderstorm asthma events during the grass pollen season. To subscribe please visit www2.health.vic.gov.au/newsletters.

The Department recently launched an epidemic thunderstorm asthma campaign. You can access a range of information and resources at https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/thunderstorm-asthma