Thunderstorms are predicted in NSW across the week.
NSW Health’s Environmental Health director, Dr Richard Broome, has warned NSW residents about the high levels of pollen in the air – a factor that is known to trigger serious asthma and respiratory attacks during heavy storms.
“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,” he stated.
“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.”
Back in 2016, Melbourne was rocked by a “freak thunderstorm asthma event” that lead to an increase in asthma cases and nine asthma related deaths. According to ABC News, 8,500 more people attended emergency departments with asthma problems during this period.
Dr Broome warns that although CBD’s in NSW haven’t seen an asthma event similar to that in Melbourne, it is still a possibility.
“Thunderstorm asthma events have been significant in rural areas of NSW and while unlikely, we can’t rule out a similar event happening here,” 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.”
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Written by Kate Stevens
Images: Getty
