Thunderstorm Asthma Advice in place today

This Advice is being issued by the Department of Health for the Mallee weather district.

• People may experience asthma symptoms or difficulty breathing due to thunderstorm activity forecast to occur on Friday.
• Thunderstorm asthma can be triggered by a combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm. For people who have asthma or hay fever, this can trigger severe asthma symptoms.
• If you’re experiencing wheezing, breathlessness, a feeling of tightness in the chest or a persistent cough, you may be having an asthma attack.
• An asthma attack is serious and can be life threatening.

Be aware of an increased chance of experiencing breathing difficulties or an asthma attack. Prepare now – carry your asthma reliever puffer with you at all times today.

Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving, or if the person is having an asthma attack and a reliever is not available.

What you should do:

• If you have asthma, or a history of asthma, carry a reliever puffer (usually blue) on you at all times. Avoid the wind gusts before the storm. Go inside and close your windows and doors.
• Turn off air conditioners that bring in air from the outside (i.e. evaporative air conditioners).

If you are experiencing asthma symptoms for the first time:

• Don’t ignore them. Use the four steps of asthma first aid. Remember that asthma relievers are available from pharmacies without a prescription.
• Make sure you follow up with your doctor.
• If your asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving, or if you are having an asthma attack and a reliever is not available, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

For health advice:

• Call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your doctor if you require medical advice.
• If you need urgent attention, visit your local Priority Primary Care Centre.
• In a non-life threatening emergency contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.
• In a life threatening emergency call Triple Zero (000) immediately. 

Impacts in your area:

• A high risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma is forecast for Mallee today.
• We are in peak grass pollen season, so it is important that people with asthma remember to carry their asthma medication at all times.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/inhaler-breath-asthma-breathing-2520471/