Thunderstorms and Asthma in the Riverina
Spring in the Riverina brings warmer days, green paddocks and plenty of pollen. Between October and December, high grass pollen counts, especially rye grass from the farmland around us, can combine with thunderstorms to create a risk of thunderstorm asthma. NSW Health identifies southern NSW and the Riverina as the areas of greatest risk in the state, so it's worth being prepared.
What is thunderstorm asthma?
When grass pollen is swept up into storm clouds, the grains absorb moisture and burst into tiny particles. The strong wind gusts that come just before a storm then carry these particles down to ground level. They are small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs, where they can trigger asthma attacks in many people at the same time, sometimes severe ones.
Why Wagga knows it well
In October 1997, a thunderstorm in Wagga led to hundreds of people seeking help at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital for breathing problems in a very short time. Research after the event found that almost everyone affected was allergic to rye grass pollen, and around a third had never been diagnosed with asthma, though most had hay fever. People who were outdoors during the storm were also more likely to be affected.
Who is at risk?
People with asthma, whether current, mild or in the past
People with hay fever, particularly in spring
People with undiagnosed asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, a cough at night or getting breathless easily
How to prepare this season
See your GP for an asthma review and make sure you have an up-to-date written asthma action plan.
If you've been prescribed a preventer, use it every day as directed. Preventers take time to work, so don't wait for storm season.
Carry your reliever puffer with you at all times, ideally with a spacer.
Treat your hay fever properly. Talk to your GP or pharmacist about the right treatment for you.
On days with high pollen and storms forecast, stay indoors where you can, with windows and doors closed and air conditioning set to recirculate, especially during the wind gusts before a storm arrives.
Sign up for local alerts. Charles Sturt University and the Wagga Asthma and COPD Collaborative run a free SMS and email alert service on high-risk days. Text the word asthma to 0417 115 876, or register through the Charles Sturt University website.
Asthma first aid
If someone is having an asthma attack:
Sit them upright and stay with them.
Give 4 separate puffs of their blue or grey reliever puffer, using a spacer if available. Give one puff at a time, with 4 breaths after each puff.
Wait 4 minutes. If there is no improvement, give another 4 puffs.
If there is still no improvement, call Triple Zero (000) and keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes until help arrives.
Call Triple Zero (000) straight away if the person is not breathing, collapses, has severe breathing difficulty, or if their asthma suddenly gets worse.
Book an asthma review
If you have asthma or hay fever and haven't had a review recently, now is the time. Call us on 02 6936 7020 to book an appointment with your GP.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own health. Please speak with your GP about your individual circumstances.
Comments