05/11/2025
What is thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique 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.
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 rapidly trigger asthma symptoms, making it difficult to breathe. If you have current, past or undiagnosed asthma or seasonal hay fever it’s important you know about thunderstorm asthma and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
Learn how to prepare for thunderstorm asthma this pollen season: https://go.vic.gov.au/3AbGhbY
