26/09/2025
As the weather continues to warm up, NSW Health is warning residents of the risk of asthma related to thunderstorms, particularly for people already prone to hay fever and asthma.
Thunderstorm asthma refers to episodes of asthma symptoms which occur when high pollen levels are combined with a thunderstorm.
In NSW, the peak period for a higher risk of thunderstorm asthma is in Spring.
Senior Staff Specialist in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Professor Connie Katelaris, explained that thunderstorm asthma requires very specific conditions to occur.
“This exposure can trigger symptoms wheeze, chest tightness, breathing difficulty and cough. Symptoms can escalate very quickly and may become life threatening”
In NSW, high levels of rye grass pollen appear to be associated with thunderstorm asthma in some areas.
“Anyone with diagnosed asthma should continue to use their preventor and have access to their reliever medication during this high-risk period,” Professor Katelaris said.
“Even if you don't have asthma, pollen is at its highest throughout spring and may spark problems in people with allergies like hay fever or those who have undiagnosed asthma." He
- If your child has asthma, provide any updated asthma action plans to their preschool, childcare centre or school
- check that you or your child's asthma reliever medication and spacer is up-to-date and stored in an easy spot for you to get quickly
- know the warning signs of asthma like wheezing, breathlessness, feeling tight in the chest or persistent cough and when to seek advice from your doctor or urgent emergency care
- when there is high pollen and a thunderstorm, where possible remain inside and keep windows and doors closed.
The symptoms of thunderstorm asthma can escalate very quickly and may become life threatening. These include:
- difficulty breathing
- laboured breathing making it difficult to speak in full sentences or lips turning blue
- asthma reliever medication providing little relief.
In an emergency dial 000 to call an ambulance.
For more information on thunderstorm asthma, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/thunderstorm-asthma.aspx ⬇️
Thunderstorm asthma is associated with the occurrence of thunderstorms and high pollen levels. Thunderstorm asthma can be life threatening and can affect people who have never been diagnosed with asthma.