Spring has sprung, and with it comes the seasonal hay fever. The Victorian Government has put out a warning to urge people with asthma and those who suffer from hay fever, to make sure they are managing their condition properly and are prepared for an increase in allergens in the air.
What triggers hay fever?
Hay fever is triggered from allergens such as pollen from grass, trees and weeds. Common symptoms can include:
– Runny and blocked nose
– Red or watery eyes
– Itchy throat, nose, eyes, and/or ears
– Cough/wheeze
– Asthma
What triggers Thunderstorm asthma?
The combination of massive loads of high or extreme small pollen allergen particles and a thunderstorm that has rapid changes in wind, temperature and humidity, is thought to trigger this asthma.
If you are effected by any of the below do not dismiss any symptoms and seek appropriate advice from your GP:
– Hay fever
– Pollen allergies
– Asthma
– Other respiratory diseases and issues
– Fungal spore allergies
What can I do to protect myself?
– If you experience chest tightness, wheezing and coughing, shortness of breath or waking up with breathing symptoms, seek advice from your GP for an assessment and get a plan to manage asthma
– Prepare yourself and your family for this season increase of pollens in the air with an action plan
– It is important if you regularly take preventer medication, antihistamine tablets and/or nasal corticosteroid sprays that you are prepared and have access to it throughout the season
– Avoid going outside on high pollen count days and/0r when thunderstorms are predicted
References:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-01/thunderstorm-asthma-forecast-service-launched-for-pollen-season/10324192
https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/asthma-and-allergy/thunderstorm-asthma
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