Forecast thunderstorms for much of NSW today has prompted a call for people prone to respiratory conditions and hay-fever to take extra care.
NSW Health’s Director of Environmental Health, Dr Richard Broome, said late spring saw high levels of pollen in the air, which could trigger asthma and respiratory conditions, especially during thunderstorms.
“Even if you don’t have asthma, you should take extra care because pollen is at its highest level now and may spark breathing difficulties in some people,” Dr Broome said.
“Thunderstorms cause pollen grains to explode and release fine particles which can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, causing even more people to wheeze and sneeze.”
In Melbourne in 2016, about 3,600 more people than usual presented to hospital and nine died from asthma attacks after a severe thunderstorm.
“While Sydney hasn’t had a major event like Melbourne, thunderstorm asthma events have been significant in rural areas of NSW and while unlikely, we can’t rule out a similar event happening in Sydney,” Dr Broome said.
“Anyone with diagnosed asthma should carry their asthma medication with them at all times during this high-risk period.
“If you have asthma, make sure you have an asthma action plan and are proactively managing your symptoms.
“It’s also important for people to know Asthma first aid, so they can help family and friends when they need it,” Dr Broome said.
The four steps to remember are:
Breathing difficulties can be life threatening. In the event of an asthma emergency dial triple zero (000) immediately.