Asthma and hay fever sufferers are being reminded to take adequate precautions as the threat of thunderstorm asthma looms.
Thunderstorm asthma is triggered when ryegrass pollen grains are separated by raindrops, leading to easier entry into the airways.
Ryegrass pollen tends to peak at different times across Australia.
In Victoria, the season is likely to last from August to February. In New South Wales, the season is likely to run from September to November.
In the Australian Capital Territory, ryegrass pollen season extends from October to February, and from October to December in Tasmania.
South Australia (SA) and Western Australia (WA) both start their peaks in October, but SA stops in March, while WA sees the season end in November.
Queenslanders could experience ryegrass pollen peaks from September to November.
People who already suffer from hay fever and asthma are most likely to suffer an adverse reaction.
In 2016, a ryegrass pollen peak led to 3,500 Victorians presenting to emergency departments.
Ten asthma sufferers lost their lives in the event.
It is believed the pollen peak coincided with rain and moisture that had split the pollen grains, enabling them to be inhaled, while a thunderstorm brought the particles downward.
Professor Jo Douglass, Asthma Australia spokesperson, respiratory and allergy specialist, and Director of Research at the Royal Melbourne Hospital said some people could mistake thunderstorm asthma for hayfever.
“We reviewed those who had presented to hospital with thunderstorm asthma,” she said in a statement.
“Evidence revealed that one-third of people who described only having hay fever symptoms before going to the hospital with thunderstorm asthma, actually experienced asthma symptoms but did not recognise them.
“It’s important to recognise hay fever symptoms associated with asthma, like night waking and morning wheezing, and to see a doctor for an asthma review.”
Douglass said people with undiagnosed asthma need to receive a formal diagnosis so they can begin to manage their condition.
“This could help reduce their risk of an asthma attack or hospitalisation during future thunderstorm asthma events,” she said.
“It may also reduce symptoms during the spring hay fever season such as night waking with cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath when outdoors.”
The National Asthma Council of Australia has warned that Victoria could face a challenging season, with predictions of potentially high pollen levels. A dry winter may have delayed the season’s start, but if predicted rainfall arrives through December it could cause a rapid increase in grass growth.
Chief Operating and Scientific Officer of AirHealth Doctor Edwin Lampugnani said a bigger than average grass pollen season was expected.
“Forecasted rainfall could trigger a surge in grass growth that could increase the amount of grass pollen in the air,” he said.
“Our team is closely monitoring environmental conditions to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.”
Victoria’s capital Melbourne has its own mobile phone application called the Melbourne Pollen App which has been designed specifically to alert people to pollen peaks.
National Asthma Council Australia Director and respiratory physician Professor Peter Wark says anyone who suffers from asthma or allergies should practice good overall care of their condition by checking in with their doctor and using a preventative.
