Spring storms and asthma: getting ready before the season peaks

Thunderstorm asthma happens when high pollen levels meet a thunderstorm. It is uncommon. It needs very specific weather conditions. When those conditions line up near a populated area, a lot of people can be affected suddenly at the same time.

It can also affect people who have never been diagnosed with asthma. That is what makes it worth reading about even if you have never used a puffer.

What actually happens

Moisture in the air during a thunderstorm swells pollen grains until they burst. That creates very small fragments of pollen. Airflows in some storms concentrate those fragments near ground level, where people breathe them in. The fragments travel further into the lungs than whole pollen grains do.

The cause is not fully understood. Exposure to high concentrations of those tiny pollen fragments appears to be an important part of it.

Why this matters here

NSW Health names southern NSW and the Riverina as the areas of greatest risk in the state. Events have also been recorded west of the dividing range, from Tamworth to Albury. High levels of rye grass pollen appear to be associated with thunderstorm asthma in some parts of NSW.

The period from October to December carries the higher risk. Pollen levels are up and storms are more common as the weather warms. That makes the coming weeks the sensible time to get organised rather than the middle of a storm.

Who is most at risk

People with asthma. People with undiagnosed asthma. People with hay fever. NSW Health points in particular to anyone who wheezes and sneezes through spring.

What to do before the season peaks

The weather conditions are unpredictable, so the useful work is done in advance. Managing asthma or hay fever well through the year is the single most important thing.

If you have asthma:

• Use your preventer medication regularly, as your doctor has directed.

• Carry your reliever puffer with you.

• Make sure you have a current written asthma action plan.

If you have hay fever, see your doctor about medications that could manage your symptoms. Mention any possible asthma symptoms you have noticed.

If you have never been diagnosed with asthma but you wheeze and sneeze each spring, it is worth finding out whether you do have asthma. An action plan is no use if nobody has written one.

Know the warning signs

Symptoms include wheeze, chest tightness, difficulty breathing and cough. They can escalate very quickly.

Signs that someone needs emergency help:

• laboured breathing that makes it hard to speak in full sentences

• lips turning blue

• reliever medication giving little relief

Call 000 in an emergency. If an ambulance has been called for something that could be thunderstorm asthma, stay indoors with the person while you wait.

Getting an action plan sorted

An asthma action plan is written with your doctor. It sets out your usual medications, what to do when symptoms get worse and when to seek help. Spring is the right time to have one reviewed.

To book, phone MMPCC on 02 6953 4333 or book online through HotDoc.

Source

NSW Health, Thunderstorm asthma fact sheet, last updated 25 September 2025. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/thunderstorm-asthma.aspx