Spring can mean more hay fever and higher grass pollen levels, and under specific conditions, thunderstorms can trigger asthma symptoms. This is known as thunderstorm asthma, and it can affect people with existing asthma, seasonal hay fever, and even some people without a previous asthma diagnosis.
This guide explains what thunderstorm asthma is, why spring in NSW matters, who may be at increased risk, and how to prepare before storms roll through.
Key Takeaways
- Thunderstorm asthma occurs when thunderstorms and high pollen conditions combine.
- Spring and early summer are important periods to be aware of in NSW
- People with asthma or seasonal hay fever may be at increased risk
- Gusty winds before rain can be an important exposure period
- Severe breathing difficulty requires emergency care
What Is Thunderstorm Asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma refers to asthma symptoms that can occur during or around thunderstorms, particularly when high levels of airborne pollen are present at the same time. NSW Health describes these events as episodes of asthma symptoms associated with the combination of high pollen and thunderstorm conditions.
Thunderstorm asthma events are uncommon, but symptoms can be significant and may require urgent medical attention in some situations. Importantly, it can affect people who have never previously been diagnosed with asthma, which is why understanding the risk matters even if you only experience hay fever.
Why Can Thunderstorms Trigger Asthma Symptoms?
The exact process is not completely understood, but the general sequence is thought to involve grass pollen and storm conditions combining in a specific way.
Strong winds lift pollen into the air. Storm conditions and moisture can then cause pollen grains to rupture into much smaller particles. These smaller particles may travel deeper into the airways and trigger symptoms in susceptible people, which may trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible people.
An important practical detail is that risk can increase during the gusty period immediately before rain begins, not only once the storm is directly overhead.
Who Is Most at Risk of Thunderstorm Asthma?
People who may be at increased risk include those with:
- Current or previously diagnosed asthma
- Seasonal hay fever or allergic rhinitis
- Known grass pollen allergy
- A pattern of springtime wheezing or coughing
- Asthma that is not well controlled
Healthdirect identifies adults with seasonal hay fever who are sensitive to grass pollen as having a particularly high risk. Having hay fever does not mean you will definitely develop thunderstorm asthma, but it is a reason to be aware of the symptoms and prepare sensibly.
Thunderstorm asthma can also affect people with no previous asthma diagnosis, so new or unexpected breathing symptoms during spring storms deserve attention rather than automatic dismissal as hay fever.
What Are the Symptoms of Thunderstorm Asthma?
Hay fever and asthma-type symptoms can overlap, but they are not the same.
| Hay fever symptoms | Asthma-type symptoms |
| Sneezing | Wheezing |
| Runny or blocked nose | Persistent cough |
| Itchy or watery eyes | Chest tightness |
| Nasal or throat irritation | Shortness of breath |
New breathing symptoms, particularly wheeze, chest tightness or breathlessness, should not simply be assumed to be ordinary hay fever, especially during spring thunderstorm activity.
How Can You Prepare for Thunderstorm Asthma This Spring?
Preparation matters most before the season begins and again whenever high pollen and storms are forecast together.
Before spring:
- Review your asthma management with your GP if it has been a while
- Make sure your personal asthma action plan is current
- Check that prescribed medicines are available and not expired
- Confirm your inhaler technique with your GP or pharmacist if unsure
- Manage seasonal hay fever appropriately rather than ignoring it
When high pollen and thunderstorms are forecast:
- Check relevant weather information for your area
- Check pollen information where available
- Stay indoors where possible during and immediately before the storm
- Close doors and windows
- Keep prescribed reliever medication accessible
- Follow your personal asthma action plan if you have one
For current NSW information about thunderstorm asthma and seasonal precautions, see the NSW Health thunderstorm asthma guidance. This is the only external link included in the body of this article.
What Should You Do If Asthma Symptoms Start During a Storm?
If wheezing, chest tightness, cough or breathlessness develops during a thunderstorm, follow your written asthma action plan if you have one, and use prescribed asthma medicines according to that plan.
Do not wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking help. If you do not have a current action plan or are unsure what to do, this is a sign your asthma management may need review.
When Should You See a GP, and When Is It an Emergency?
Consider a GP appointment if:
- Springtime wheezing or coughing keeps happening
- You develop asthma-type symptoms without a previous diagnosis
- Hay fever and breathing symptoms occur together
- Your current asthma management plan needs reviewing
- You are unsure whether your symptoms are asthma or allergy related
A GP can review your symptoms, history and breathing, and determine whether further assessment such as spirometry may be appropriate.
Call 000 immediately for:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Inability to speak normally because of breathlessness
- Blue or grey lips
- Symptoms rapidly getting worse
- Little or no relief from reliever medication
If you experience recurring springtime wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness, a GP can review your symptoms and discuss whether further asthma assessment is appropriate.
Thunderstorm Asthma and GP Care in Cameron Park
For patients in Cameron Park and surrounding Hunter communities, Cameron Park Healthcare provides general medical assessment for asthma symptoms, ongoing asthma management through chronic disease care, and spirometry where clinically appropriate.
If you have asthma, seasonal hay fever with breathing symptoms, or concerns about your asthma management this spring, you can book a GP appointment at Cameron Park Healthcare to discuss your individual circumstances.
Medical review information: This article provides general health information and does not replace advice from your GP. Individual assessment depends on your symptoms, medical history and circumstances.
FAQs
What is thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma refers to asthma symptoms triggered by a combination of thunderstorms and high pollen conditions. It is uncommon but can be serious, and it can affect people without a previous asthma diagnosis.
Can you get thunderstorm asthma without having asthma?
Yes. Thunderstorm asthma symptoms can occur in people with no previous asthma diagnosis, particularly those with seasonal hay fever. New or unusual breathing symptoms during spring storms deserve medical assessment.
When is thunderstorm asthma season in NSW?
The higher-risk period in NSW is generally October to December, though risk varies by location and depends on pollen levels and weather conditions combining at a given time.
How can I prepare for thunderstorm asthma?
Review your asthma action plan, ensure prescribed medicines are available, manage hay fever appropriately, and check weather and pollen information when storms are forecast during spring.