Climate change The melting of icebergs has caused floods and landslides. It can also bring about an increase in pollen levels, prolong the duration of the pollen season, and cause health problems related to pollen.
One in five people get “hay fever” (allergic rhinitis) when pollen grains land on the moist membranes of the nose or eyes. it is often a flowing or blocked nose and itchy eyes.
During pollen season, people with asthma are at a higher risk of flare-ups.
Pollen can also trigger thunderstorm asthma, even in people who haven’t been diagnosed with asthma and hay fever.
What is thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorms are accompanied by a drop in temperature and a sudden increase in humidity. It can break down whole grass pollen grains into particles that are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, which causes asthma in thunderstorms.
Because of this, many people – even those with no known asthma – may be affected.
The largest typhoon asthma event occurred in Melbourne during the 2016 grass pollen season – some 10,000 people were affected and hospital emergency departments were over capacity at least 3,000 respiratory cases. Tragically, ten people died of asthma that night as well.
Who is at risk of thunderclap asthma?
Even people who do not have a history of asthma are at risk of developing thunderclap asthma. However, research has shown that some people may be more sensitive to pollen than others. It also includes:
– those with pollen allergies, especially ryegrass pollen allergies
-people who have respiratory condition such as asthma, hay fever, cold, and COVID
– staying outside during thunderstorms
-people who are of Asian ethnicity
– people living in areas with a lot of plant life
-Children with food allergies or eczema
-who are exposed to high levels of air pollution
Those with low socioeconomic status, low access to health care and poor quality housing can exacerbate symptoms.
In our research, we found that people with co-existing allergic conditions (such as asthma and hay fever) are more affected by pollen than people with a single allergic condition (such as only asthma).
How else can pollen cause harm?
Even outside of a thunderstorm, pollen alone can cause asthma attacks that require hospitalization, respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and runny nose, and reduced lung function, making breathing difficult. goes.
Despite low mortality rates, allergic asthma and hay fever can lead to additional health care costs and burdens such as poor physical and mental health.
Our yet-to-be-published research has shown that grass pollen can trigger increased immune responses to a common condition, increasing the risk of eczema flares in children.
Other studies have indicated children Itching Experience more symptoms such as itching and higher intensity of the rash on days with higher levels of grass pollen.
How can you prepare?
So, what can you do to prepare for the risk of asthma during grass pollen season and thunderstorms?
– Download your state’s emergency service app, such as the Victorian Emergency App, which can provide thunderstorm asthma alerts
– Keep an eye on pollen grains (see below for useful websites)
– Keep doors and windows closed during high pollen days
– Use air purifier
– Stay indoors during asthma alerts with high pollen counts or thunderstorms
– Plant non-allergenic flowers if you have a garden
If you know you suffer from asthma, hay fever or pollen allergies, you are at risk for thunderclap asthma. (Photo: Getty/Thinkstock)
– Keep wearing a face mask. Masks have been shown to be very effective in reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection and pollen-induced respiratory symptoms
Take asthma medicines. Reliever medications are available over-the-counter. Preventive medications offer stronger protection, but require a prescription from a doctor. They also need to be used preventively in the event of pollen-induced asthma, or severe hay fever, to prevent thunderstorms.
– Take an antihistamine such as Zyrtec, which can be used as needed or more regularly during pollen season. However, it does not cure or prevent asthma.
If you know you suffer from asthma, hay fever or pollen allergies, you are at risk of thunderclap asthma. In addition to taking advantage of warning systems and staying away from storms, you should see your doctor and keep an asthma puffer on hand to keep yourself safe during pollen season. Your doctor can advise you on the right treatment.
Research, including our own, has shown that exposure to pollen may have a milder effect on the lungs and airways. This means that asthma attacks or respiratory symptoms can sometimes occur for days after exposure. So, if you forget to take medicines ahead of time, it is not too late. However, if it becomes severe then go to the hospital.
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