Pollen count Melbourne: What is thunderstorm asthma?

ANOTHER thunderstorm asthma event is likely to strike Melbourne this spring. Here’s what you need to know about the deadly phenomenon.

Thunderstorm over Melbourne Pic: Norm Oorloff

ASTHMA and hay fever sufferers should keep their inhalers handy — thunderstorm asthma promises to return this spring.

Last year, 8500 people were hospitalised and nine died from asthma attacks after thunderstorms tore across Melbourne.

MONITORING: STORM ASTHMA EARLY WARNING SYSTEM ROLLED OUT

Ambulance Paramedic Cat Cristofaro responded to a string of thunderstorm asthma incidents during a non-stop 15.5 hour shift last year. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

But why did this happen?

The pollen season occurs from early October to late December, as hay fever sufferers will tell you.

For a thunderstorm asthma event to occur, the perfect blend of conditions must be met: high pollen count in the air, humidity and a northerly wind.

When a thunderstorm strikes — one that’s just right — pollen grains absorb moisture and explode into tiny particles.

Storm winds scatter the particles in the air, sweeping them across long distances, where they can easily be inhaled deep into the lungs.

For asthma sufferers, this fires up an attack.

But it also means people who haven’t been diagnosed with asthma can be a victim.

Deakin University thunderstorm asthma expert Professor Cenk Suphioglu monitors pollen using the Burkard Volumetric Pollen Sampler. Picture Jay Town.

St John Ambulance Victoria chief executive Gordon Botwright said attacks could strike quickly.

“Thunderstorm asthma is a particular threat for those who already suffer from hay fever or asthma, but during the 2016 storms, 40 per cent of people who were struck by thunderstorm asthma were not diagnosed asthmatics,” Mr Botwright said.

“It’s important to recognise when simple hayfever symptoms turn in to an asthma emergency.”

So what should you do?

If you sneeze and wheeze during spring, speak to a doctor or pharmacist to prepare a plan of action.

In the meantime, stay inside with the windows and doors shut when there’s a spring thunderstorm.

People experiencing symptoms are advised to take four puffs of an inhaler, wait four minutes, take another four breaths, and if necessary, have another four puffs before dialling 000.

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