September 23, 2025Thunderstorm Asthma (ETSA) season runs each year from 1 October to 31 December, coinciding with the annual grass pollen season. During this period, you may notice an increase in asthma and hay fever symptoms.
Jason Amos, Director Emergency Management, explains, “In Victoria, from October to December, thunderstorm asthma can occur when high grass pollen grains are carried by strong winds. Storms or moisture then break open the grains, releasing ultrafine particles into the air. These particles are small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs, where they can rapidly trigger asthma symptoms.”
Symptoms of Thunderstorm Asthma
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Itchy or runny nose
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Sneezing
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Coughing
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Wheezing
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Chest tightness
Some symptoms can become severe very quickly and may require urgent medical assistance. However, not all cases require a trip to the Emergency Department, many can be managed at home using the four steps of asthma first aid.
Asthma First Aid: Four Steps
Step 1: Sit the person upright.
Step 2: Reliever medication: Shake the blue/grey reliever puffer.
-With a spacer: Give one puff into the spacer, and the person takes four breaths. Repeat this four times.
-Without a spacer: Give one puff as the person takes a slow, deep breath. Ask them to hold their breath for as long as comfortable. Repeat this four times.
Step 3: Wait four minutes. If no improvement, repeat Step 2.
Step 4: Call an ambulance if the person still cannot breathe normally. Continue giving reliever puffs until help arrives.
Reducing Your Risk
To help reduce exposure to pollen and minimise the risk of thunderstorm asthma:
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Use your prescribed preventer inhaler as directed, even if you have no symptoms.
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If you have asthma that may not be well-controlled, or if you experience hay fever, see your GP promptly.
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Always carry a blue/grey reliever inhaler (such as Ventolin or Asmol) and know how to use it correctly.
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Stay indoors on high-risk days – especially during thunderstorms or when pollen counts and winds are high. Keep windows closed and set your air conditioner to recirculate/recycled air.
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Check daily pollen levels and weather forecasts.
Jason also reminds staff that Northern Health has an emergency plan for thunderstorm asthma events.
“Northern Health has a Code Brown Subplan – Thunderstorm Asthma procedure and the Code Brown – External Emergency procedure. Both are available on Prompt,” he says.
You can access daily ETSA forecasts from 1 October – 31 December here.
For more information on asthma first aid, click here.
Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dr Dan Crompton, Director, ED and Jason Amos, Director, Emergency Management, Northern Health.
