Page URL: https://www.wodonga.vic.gov.au/Whats-On
/ What's On
Grass pollen season brings an increase in asthma and hay fever. It also brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma.
For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing with their hay fever, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life threatening. That’s why it’s important for people with asthma or hay fever to know about thunderstorm asthma and what they can do to help protect themselves during grass pollen season.
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is where a large number of people develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time. It is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm. Grass pollen grains get swept up in the wind and carried for long distances, some can burst open and release tiny particles that are concentrated in the wind gusts that come just before a thunderstorm. These particles are small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs and can trigger asthma symptoms, making it difficult to breathe.
In Victoria, the grass pollen season runs from October through December. As the season approaches, there are some things you can do to prepare for pollen season:
Protect yourself this pollen season – managing asthma and allergies matters.
For more information visit the Better Health Channel