The next four weeks may be a period of greater risk for sufferers and people who “wheeze and sneeze” during spring time, according to Murrumbidgee Public Health unit director Tracey Oakman said.
“Thunderstorms cause pollen grains to explode and release fine particles which can be inhaled more deeply into the lungs making even more people wheeze and sneeze,” she said.
“People should be prepared, not alarmed, and anyone with diagnosed asthma should carry their asthma medication with them at all times during this high risk period,” she said.
With storms forecasted last Friday, a thunderstorm asthma warning was issued for the Murrumbidgee Local Health District area, which includes Corowa.
Ms Oakman said that people should take extra precautions when thunderstorms are forecasted.
“People who are known to suffer from asthma should carry their asthma puffer with them at all times and try to stay indoors with the windows and doors closed during the storm period,” she said.
“If you have breathing difficulties it is urged that you call 000 or go to your nearest hospital.”
Health and emergency services have ramped up awareness around thunderstorm asthma following Melbourne’s fatal thunderstorm asthma event that swept through the city on November 21, 2016, where 10 people died and approximately 8,500 people were hospitalised due to their exacerbated conditions.
Those wanting to receive an SMS alert when the pollen counts are high and thunderstorms are predicted, can now go to; https://science.csu.edu.au/asthma and register for alerts.
6°C