GRASS pollen season occurs from October 1 to December 31 annually, posing an increased risk of Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma, ETSA.
Warmer weather, increased amounts of grass pollen in the air and certain types of thunderstorms, when combined, can result in an ETSA event, potentially triggering severe asthma.
Symptoms of ETSA include an itchy and runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing and/or chest tightness.
Some of these symptoms can quickly become severe and may require urgent medical assistance.
Northern Health chief outcomes officer and director of respiratory medicine Katharine See said people with hayfever or a history of asthma or undiagnosed asthma were most at risk of thunderstorm asthma.
“Thunderstorm asthma occurs when pollen particles are sucked up into thunderstorm clouds where they release microparticles,” she said.
“These micropollens are showered down at the start of a storm and being so small, are able to get deep into the lungs where they are able to cause severe symptoms.
“The best way to stay safe during thunderstorm asthma season is to make sure you have good asthma control all year round.
“This means using your preventer regularly, particularly during thunderstorm asthma season.
“When a storm is coming, stay inside with the doors and windows closed – don’t let that micropollen in.”
Dr See said it was also important for everyone in the community to be able to recognise the symptoms of someone having an asthma attack and to know the four steps of asthma first aid:
Step one: Sit the person suffering the attack upright.
Step two: Shake the blue/grey reliever puffer and give them four separate puffs using a spacer if available.
Step three: Wait four minutes and give four more puffs if the person cannot breathe normally.
Step four: Call an ambulance if they still cannot breathe normally and keep giving reliever puffs as above until an ambulance arrives.
For people experiencing mild to moderate asthma symptoms or are unsure of the severity of their symptoms, contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department for further assistance, visit a GP or attend the closest Priority Primary Care Centre.
For life-threatening emergencies, attend the nearest emergency department or call triple zero.