VicEmergency has issued a Thunderstorm Asthma alert for parts of Victoria, including Central, North Central, North East, South West, Wimmera, South and West Gippsland, and Melbourne until December 31.
Asthma Australia has advised that those who are experiencing asthma or hay fever symptoms—such as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, a runny or blocked nose, or difficulty breathing—may be at risk of thunderstorm asthma, an illness which can cause severe breathing difficulties.
Ryegrass pollen season is now in full swing in Victoria, and is a major trigger for asthma and hay fever epidemics.
High pollen levels have previously contributed to epidemics such as the 2016 Thunderstorm Asthma (TSA) event, when rain ruptured ryegrass pollen grains, making them small enough to be inhaled, and a thunderstorm brought them to ground level.
Over 3500 people required emergency treatment during the event, which sadly resulted in 10 fatalities.
Asthma Australia urged those suffering with asthma and hay fever to be prepared for similar events during the next few weeks, and offered the following advice when suffering from symptoms:
1. Go inside and close doors and windows. If the air conditioner is on, turn it to re-circulate.
2. Keep reliever and hay fever medicine on hand. Learn how to access and use this medicine in case loved ones suffering from asthma and hayfever are unable to do so.
3. Follow written Asthma Action Plans, and never ignore asthma symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.
4. Start Asthma First Aid immediately and call Triple Zero (000) for help if symptoms do not get any better or if they start to get worse.
5. Keep up to date with alerts and advice in the local area.
