Asthmatics warned to be prepared in thunderstorm season
26 November 2010
Thunderstorm season has begun in south-eastern Australia, kicking off with a spike in hospital attendances for acute asthma.
The NSW Health Department recently issued a warning after recording 126 emergency department visits for asthma on one day, compared to the usual 68 or so across the state.
All asthma patients should have a personalised action plan and know what to do if their condition worsens. Patients are also advised to carry their prescribed medicines at all times and to stay indoors during thunderstorms.
The phenomenon of 'thunderstorm asthma' is caused by a downdraft from the thunderstorm disturbing pollen particles and leading to high concentrations of pollen in the air at ground level. Associate Professor Helen Reddel, research leader at Sydney’s Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, said the problem can also affect people with hay fever and rye grass pollen allergies.
Last Reviewed: 26 November 2010
- 1. NSW Department of Health. Thunderstorms cause asthma 'spike' [media release]. 11 November 2010. http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/2010/20101111_00.html (accessed 26 Nov, 2010).
2. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Thunderstorm asthma. Last reviewed Jan 2010. http://www.allergy.org.au/content/view/125/1/ (accessed Nov 2010).
