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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Useful official links
- Asthma Australia(opens in a new window)
Asthma Australia — information and advice on thunderstorm asthma and asthma management (1800 ASTHMA / 1800 278 462)
- Better Health Channel (VIC Health)(opens in a new window)
Better Health Channel (Victoria Department of Health) — explanation of and preparation guidance for thunderstorm asthma
- NSW Health(opens in a new window)
NSW Health — pollen season health information and local health alerts
- (opens in a new window)