Certain types of thunderstorms in spring or early summer in regions with high grass pollen concentrations in the air can cause life-threatening allergic asthma flare-ups in sensitised individuals, even if they have not had asthma before. Thunderstorm asthma can occur when such a storm travels across a region and triggers asthma in many susceptible individuals at once.
This information paper provides evidence-based guidance on identifying and managing patients at risk of thunderstorm asthma for GPs, asthma educators, practice nurses and pharmacists.
Please check the Australian Asthma Handbook for the latest recommendations on thunderstorm asthma.
This information is updated in November 2022.
Although all care has been taken, this information paper is only a general guide; it is not a substitute for assessment of appropriate courses of treatment on a case-by-case basis. The National Asthma Council Australia expressly disclaims all responsibility (including negligence) for any loss, damage or personal injury resulting from reliance on the information contained
© 2022
Plant pollen is well known as a trigger for seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
