Guide to preparing for spring pollen and thunderstorm asthma

Preparing for spring pollen and thunderstorm asthma

This explains how to understand and prepare in advance for thunderstorm asthma, which occurs when spring pollen and thunderstorms coincide in Australia.

What is thunderstorm asthma

In spring and early summer (generally October–December), grass pollen (such as ryegrass) becomes abundant in the air in south-eastern Australia. When a strong thunderstorm passes through during this period, pollen grains can break into tiny fragments in the moisture and wind and reach deep into the lungs. When this coincides, it triggers asthma attacks in many people over a short period, which is called epidemic thunderstorm asthma. In November 2016 in Melbourne, this phenomenon killed 10 people and sent many others to emergency care, after which a permanent alert system was established, centred on Victoria. This guide is informational, helping foreign residents in Australia who have asthma or allergic rhinitis (hayfever) understand spring risks and prepare in advance.

How it differs from ordinary asthma and pollen allergy

A distinctive feature is that even people who have never had asthma — especially those with grass pollen allergy (hayfever) — can experience their first severe breathing difficulty from thunderstorm asthma. It is hard to feel safe just because you only have hayfever symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes, and the risk is concentrated on particular days when a thunderstorm coincides. For managing other allergy triggers such as indoor mould and dust mites, also refer to the separate rental housing mould and damp guide. This guide does not provide diagnostic or treatment information, and you should discuss your own asthma/allergy condition with your GP (general practitioner).

Checking pollen forecasts and thunderstorm asthma alerts

The key to spring preparation is knowing dangerous days in advance. Victoria runs an epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecast during the October–December pollen season, and you can check regional risk levels via the VicEmergency app and website. New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) also provide pollen season information and health alerts. Pollen counts are published by university-run monitors in Melbourne and elsewhere (Melbourne Pollen = University of Melbourne, AusPollen); check the official sources at the time of publication directly for the level criteria and the day's figures.

Check alert levels at official sources each time

Pollen count thresholds and alert level definitions are updated by season and by organisation, so this guide does not list specific figures. Check the latest guidance from VicEmergency, Better Health Channel (Victoria Department of Health), NSW Health, and Asthma Australia as at the time you check. Forecasts are issued several days ahead, so if a high-risk forecast appears you can gain time to adjust your going-out and exercise plans for that day.

Check the epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecast level for where you live on VicEmergency (app/web)
NSW and ACT residents should check state health department pollen season alerts together with local weather warnings (BoM)
Check the day's pollen count on official monitors such as Melbourne Pollen and AusPollen (figures and levels follow the official criteria at the time of publication)

Note: Do not rely on 'recommendations' or advertising information from commercial weather/pollen apps; use official sources such as your state health department, VicEmergency, and university-run monitors as your reference.

Preparing an asthma action plan with your GP

An asthma action plan is a document written by your GP (general practitioner) for your individual needs, laying out step by step how to manage day to day, what to do when symptoms worsen, and when to seek emergency help. Booking your GP to have the plan newly written or updated before spring arrives is a key part of preparation. Refer to the medical clinics and bulk billing guide for GP appointments, bulk-billing, and the action plan issuance process, and always leave the contents of your individual plan to your GP. This guide does not provide diagnostic or treatment information; for symptoms you are unsure about, consult your GP or healthdirect (1800 022 222).

Book your GP before spring (pollen season) to write or update your asthma action plan
Even if you only have hayfever (allergic rhinitis), discuss your thunderstorm asthma risk with your GP and confirm how to manage it
Learn the timing for using your prescribed inhalers (preventer and reliever) in line with your action plan

Note: The type, dose, and frequency of medication differ from person to person and cannot be dictated by this guide. Always follow your GP's and pharmacist's prescription and your asthma action plan.

Who, when, and how — risk and response types

We have organised thunderstorm asthma risk and response into four perspectives. This is general information only; discuss your personal judgment with your GP.

Higher-risk groups

People with asthma, especially those with grass pollen allergy (hayfever) in spring, are at higher risk. Even without a previous asthma diagnosis, if hayfever is severe you may experience your first attack.

At-risk regions and times

It is concentrated in the grass pollen season (generally October–December) in Victoria (Melbourne), NSW, and the ACT. Tropical and arid regions such as WA, NT, and QLD have different dynamics, so it is hard to generalise the risk in the same way.

Preventer vs reliever

Inhalers are broadly divided into the preventer category, used consistently every day, and the reliever category, used when symptoms are present. Which medication suits you and the brand are decided by your GP and pharmacist, and this guide does not recommend any specific product.

Responding by symptom severity

Manage mild hayfever according to your action plan, but if you have severe signs such as difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, or a reliever that is not working, call 000 without delay. If you are unsure, you can contact healthdirect (1800 022 222).

Pre-spring action checklist

Preparing the following before pollen season begins makes responding on dangerous days much easier.

Book your GP before spring — write/update your asthma action plan and confirm any inhaler prescriptions you need
If a preventer inhaler has been prescribed, use it consistently as set out in your action plan (do not stop on your own; make changes with your GP)
Always carry your reliever inhaler and action plan, and check the expiry date and remaining amount
Subscribe in advance to pollen and thunderstorm asthma alerts from VicEmergency and your state health department
On days with a high-risk forecast, avoid going out and outdoor exercise just before and after a thunderstorm, close your windows, and stay indoors

Common misconceptions and cautions

The following are common mistakes related to spring thunderstorm asthma.

"I don't have an asthma diagnosis, so I'm fine" — even with only hayfever (grass pollen allergy), you can have your first attack from thunderstorm asthma.
Stopping a preventer inhaler on your own when there are no symptoms — preventers only work when used consistently, and stopping or changing them should be discussed with your GP.
Waiting even though a reliever repeatedly fails to improve things — for severe signs such as difficulty breathing, pale lips, or difficulty speaking, call 000 immediately.
Relying on commercial apps or rumours — check alerts from official sources such as VicEmergency, your state health department, and university-run monitors.
Hesitating to call because your English isn't great — 000 connects an interpreter, and for non-emergency advice you can use the TIS 131 450 interpreter service or healthdirect (1800 022 222).

Useful official links

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is thunderstorm asthma?▾

When a strong thunderstorm passes through in spring to early summer while there is a lot of grass pollen in the air, the pollen breaks into tiny fragments that reach deep into the lungs, triggering asthma attacks in many people over a short period. After this phenomenon killed 10 people in Melbourne in November 2016, a permanent alert system was established, centred on Victoria. Discuss your individual risk with your GP.

Am I at risk even though I've never been diagnosed with asthma?▾

Yes, it is possible. In particular, people with grass pollen allergy (hayfever) — such as a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes in spring — can experience their first severe breathing difficulty from thunderstorm asthma even without a previous asthma diagnosis. If you are worried, consult your GP to understand your risk and how to prepare.

Which regions and times are especially dangerous?▾

It is concentrated in the grass pollen season (generally October–December) in Victoria (Melbourne), NSW, and the ACT. Tropical and arid regions such as WA, NT, and QLD have different pollen dynamics, so it is hard to generalise the risk in the same way. Check the guidance from your state health department and VicEmergency for where you live.

Where can I check pollen and thunderstorm asthma alerts?▾

Victoria provides an epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecast level via the VicEmergency app and website, while NSW and the ACT provide pollen season information through their state health departments. Pollen counts are published by official monitors such as Melbourne Pollen (University of Melbourne) and AusPollen. Check the official sources at the time of publication directly for the level criteria and the day's figures.

How do I get an asthma action plan?▾

Book an appointment with your GP (general practitioner) to have one written for your personal condition. It is a document that lays out, step by step, your everyday management, how to respond when symptoms worsen, and when to seek emergency help — it is best to have a new one written or updated before spring arrives. Refer to the medical clinic guide for GP appointments and bulk-billing procedures, and always leave the contents of the plan to your GP.

My English isn't great, and I'm worried about calling 000.▾

000 connects an interpreter service in an emergency. Stay calm, give your location and situation, and you can request language support. For non-emergency advice, you can use TIS 131 450 (interpreter service) or healthdirect (1800 022 222). Do not delay asking for help because of language.

How are preventer and reliever inhalers different?▾

A preventer is a category used every day even when there are no symptoms, to manage airway inflammation, while a reliever is a category used quickly when symptoms appear. Which medication suits you, the brand, and how to use it are decided by your GP and pharmacist, and this guide does not recommend any specific product. Follow your prescription and your asthma action plan.