Ausclimate On-Location:
Aug 7-13: Erina Fair Shopping Centre
Aug 15-20: Park Beach Shopping Centre
A great article here from our friends at the Sensitive Choice programme of the National Asthma Council with some handy tips for Asthma sufferers going into this years thunderstorm season. Thunderstorms can have some shocking effects on those of us who suffer with Asthma, from standard flare-ups of those typical Asthma symptoms, to sometimes, much more serious Asthma scenarios. It’s all about being prepared when the thunderstorm winds bring those pollens out to play. Please take a look at this useful article & protect yourself & your loved ones as we approach the season.
Thanks Sensitive Choice!
For all of our Asthma sufferers out there, keep an eye on this space, we’ll have some more great insights & handy tips heading into this years National Asthma Week. We’ll also have details on our annual Ausclimate National Asthma Week Asthma Awareness Special.
This years National Asthma Week will run from the 1st to the 7th of September. We are very proud of our partnership with the National Asthma Council Australia Sensitive Choice and our Sensitive Choice approved Air-Purifier & Dehumidifier range.
Thanks guys, take care out there!
Cheers,
Russell Bryan
Ausclimate Co-founder
visit the website: http://ausclimate.com.au
THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA
What is thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma is a potent mix of pollen and weather conditions that can trigger severe asthma symptoms in a large number of people over a short period of time.
Thunderstorm asthma may occur when a storm strikes on a hot and windy day during pollen season (early October – late December), when there are high levels of pollen in the air combined with a certain type of weather event.
When a storm front hits, the pollen grains absorb the moisture and burst into tiny particles. The thunderstorm winds blow the particles down to ground level, where they can be inhaled deep inside the lungs and trigger a serious asthma flare up.
Weather conditions like these can also lead to breathing problems being experienced not only by people with asthma but those who have seasonal hay fever. People who wheeze and sneeze with hay fever from pollens during spring are most likely to be affected, even if they have not been diagnosed with asthma before.
November 2016: Victorian Thunderstorm Asthma Event
On the evening of Monday 21 November 2016, Victoria experienced severe thunderstorm activity. The thunderstorm was followed by a thunderstorm asthma event, the likes of which in terms of size and severity was unprecedented. It resulted in thousands of people developing breathing difficulties in a very short period of time and placing increased pressure the ambulance service and hospital emergency rooms.
Who is most at risk of thunderstorm asthma?
Those at increased risk of thunderstorm asthma include people with both asthma and seasonal hay fever, as well as those with past or un-diagnosed asthma. People with seasonal spring hay fever who have never had asthma are also at risk.
Thunderstorm asthma can affect people living in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, even if they don’t have a history of asthma.
What are the symptoms of asthma and hay fever?
People with asthma may experience one or more of the following common symptoms:
- Wheezing – a high-pitched sound coming from the chest while you are breathing
- Breathlessness
- A feeling of tightness in the chest
- A persistent cough
A person’s asthma symptoms can vary over time – sometimes they will have no symptoms, especially when asthma is well-controlled – and symptoms often vary from person to person.
People with seasonal hay fever may experience one or more of the following common symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
Be prepared
The best way to treat thunderstorm asthma is to try and avoid it happening:
- See your doctor about your hay fever and get a treatment plan sorted out in time for spring
- If you have asthma or have experienced breathing problems, see your doctor for an asthma and lung health review
- Take your regular daily asthma preventer medication, if you have been prescribed one
- Ask your doctor for an up-to-date personal asthma action plan and follow it
- Know the signs of worsening asthma and the asthma first aid steps
- Always carry your reliever (e.g. Ventolin or Bricanyl)
What to do if a thunderstorm is forecast during pollen season
- Always carry your blue reliever puffer with you and check that it is not empty or out-of-date
- Make sure you take your regular daily asthma preventer and hay fever nasal spray, if you have been prescribed them
- Close the doors and windows and, unless your air-conditioner has an effective pollen filter, make sure it is off or on recirculation mode
- Avoid going outside just before and during the thunderstorm
- Know the signs of worsening asthma and the asthma first aid steps
- If you start developing any signs of asthma, follow your personal asthma action plan, if you have one, or the asthma first aid steps
- If your asthma symptoms are rapidly worsening, call 000 and say you are having an asthma attack.
Sensitive Choice partners
Many of our Sensitive Choice approved products and services are designed to help target pollen. To review our range click here.
For more information
First Aid for Asthma Chart – step by step instructions on what to do in an emergency.
Written asthma action plans
How-to video library – how to use your inhaler
Original article available at sensitivechoice.com/thunderstorm-asthma
Ausclimate locations & dates:
Mon 7th – Sun 13th August @ Erina Fair Shopping Centre, not far from Gosford, NSW
Tue 15th – Sun 20th August @ Park Beach Shopping Centre, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Thu 17th – Sun 20th August @ Melbourne Home Show August 2017, Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Southbank, Melbourne, VIC
