The Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit warns that thunderstorm asthma can occur when grass pollen is swept into the air during a thunderstorm and broken into tiny particles that can be breathed deep into the lungs.
This can trigger sudden and severe symptoms, including in people whose asthma is usually mild or well controlled and in people with hay fever who have not previously experienced asthma symptoms.
Those at higher risk include people with seasonal hay fever, current or past asthma or asthma-like symptoms that have not been formally diagnosed.
GVPHU clinical director Dr Will Cross said preparing before the season was one of the best ways people could protect themselves.
“The important thing is not to wait for the first thunderstorm to think about your asthma,” Dr Cross said.
“If you have asthma or seasonal hay fever, now is the time to make sure you are prepared.
“Speak with your GP about updating your asthma action plan and make sure you have your prescribed medication available and know how to use it.
“An asthma action plan is a simple guide created with your doctor to help you manage your asthma and know what to do if your symptoms get worse.
“It is also important to keep an eye on pollen and weather conditions during spring, particularly when thunderstorms are forecast.”
People are advised to monitor pollen forecasts via the VicEmergency app or website, ensure they have sufficient prescribed medication, manage hay fever symptoms with advice from a GP or pharmacist, and learn asthma first aid.
If symptoms do not improve after following asthma first aid, call 000.
For more information, visit gvhealth.org.au/publichealth-unit/thunderstorm-asthma/ or betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstorm-asthma.
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