THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA SEASON HERE

AUSTRALIA’S east coast is getting a good dose of severe weather this week, with heavy rain and wind forecast for the beginning of what is known as “thunderstorm asthma” season.

While the rainfall is good news for drought-affected farmers, the wild weather is not so good for those who suffer from severe hay fever, allergies and asthma.

Thunderstorm asthma is a condition that affects adults and children in spring when frequent wet weather and thunderstorms cause an increase of ryegrass pollen in the air.

According to the National Asthma Council, spring thunderstorms can cause pollen grains to burst into tiny pieces, which the wind then blows around us.

“When people with a pollen allergy breathe in these tiny pieces of pollen, they can go deep inside the lungs and trigger an asthma attack,” the website says.

Thunderstorm asthma symptoms first appear as usual hay fever and asthma symptoms. You’ll wheeze, sneeze and struggle to breathe – which can lead to an asthma attack

Doctors say you need an asthma plan and medication on hand at all times during wild weather – particularly in the months when the pollen count is high.

“People with asthma who live in, or are travelling to, a region with seasonal high grass pollen levels, should remember to take their inhaled corticosteroid ‘preventer’ medicine as prescribed by their doctor,” National Asthma Council Australia director and respiratory physician Professor Peter Wark said.

“If they are using anti-inflammatory reliever therapy, they should take their inhaler as needed. These steps offer the best protection from worsening asthma.

“If you have hay fever, the regular use of a nasal corticosteroid spray every day, at least during pollen season is the best treatment to control allergy symptoms.”

For information visit the National Asthma Council website or speak to your GP.