School Nurse
Nurse Cecile
Thunderstorm Asthma
People who have asthma or hay fever can get severe asthma symptoms during grass pollen season when high amounts of grass pollen in the air combine with a certain type of thunderstorm. The time of year when this is most likely to happen is during grass pollen season from October through December.
Who is most at risk of thunderstorm asthma?
Those at increased risk of thunderstorm asthma include:
- people with asthma
- people with undiagnosed asthma (i.e. people who have asthma symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed with asthma)
- people who have had asthma in the past
- people with hay fever who may or may not have asthma.
It’s important to remember to do the following if your child has experienced symptoms during this time:
- seek medical advice and see your GP
- ask your GP for an asthma action plan or hay fever plan for the school
- provide your child's appropriate action plan with their medication to the school nurse so we can support your child effectively if symptoms develop
- communicate your child's health needs if there are any changes
- ensure preventative medication is taken as prescribed to avoid asthma symptoms
Recognising asthma symptoms
If you have any concerns, please contact me to discuss how we can support your child at school.
Warm regards,
Nurse Cecile