As Victoria heads into spring, Northern Health staff and patients are being reminded to stay alert to the risks of Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma (ETSA).

Thunderstorm asthma occurs when high pollen levels combine with certain thunderstorm conditions, causing tiny particles to be dispersed into the air and inhaled deep into the lungs. This can trigger serious asthma symptoms, even in people who have never previously been diagnosed with asthma.

During past thunderstorm asthma events, emergency departments and ambulance services experienced a significant surge in patients requiring urgent medical assistance.

Symptoms of ETA can develop quickly and may include:

• Itchy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath

Some symptoms can become severe within a short period of time and require urgent medical attention.

People with asthma, hay fever, or a history of seasonal allergies are encouraged to take simple precautions during spring and early summer:

• Always carry your reliever inhaler.
• Stay up to date with pollen counts and weather forecasts so you know when storms may occur.
• Stay indoors before and during storms with strong wind gusts.
• Keep windows closed and set air conditioners to recirculate or recycle indoor air.
• Consider wearing a face mask to help reduce exposure to pollen allergens when outdoors. However, avoiding outdoor exposure before a storm remains the safest option.

If someone is experiencing asthma symptoms:

Step 1: Sit the person upright and remain calm.

Step 2: Shake the blue/grey reliever puffer and give four separate puffs, using a spacer if available.

Step 3: Wait four minutes. If the person is still having difficulty breathing, give another four puffs.

Step 4: If they still cannot breathe normally, call an ambulance and continue giving four puffs every four minutes until help arrives.

Preparation is the best defence against thunderstorm asthma. Review your asthma action plan with your healthcare provider, ensure medications are up to date, and monitor weather and pollen forecasts throughout the season.

Sharon Rukavina, Respiratory Asthma Clinical Nurse Consultant has this advice, “As someone who also experiences mild asthma and seasonal hay fever, I understand how quickly symptoms can worsen during thunderstorm asthma season. Carrying my reliver, monitoring high-risk days via the Melbourne Pollen App and wearing a face mask outdoors helps me reduce my risk of an asthma attack. Only having mild asthma doesn’t preclude me from having a severe asthma attack in Thunderstorm season.”

By recognising the symptoms early and taking preventative action, we can help keep ourselves, our colleagues and our community safe during thunderstorm asthma season.

Featured image shows Sharon Rukavina, Respiratory Asthma Clinical Nurse Consultant.