This resource for pharmacists has been designed as a handy tool to identify and advise at-risk patients on thunderstorm asthma.
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. Epidemic thunderstorm asthma can occur when such a storm travels across a region and triggers asthma in many susceptible individuals at once.
The flowchart for the pharmacy provides evidence-based guidance on identifying and advising patients who are requesting medicines for asthma and allergic rhinitis.
The National Asthma Council Australia independently developed this resource with support from the Victorian Government Department of Health.
Health professionals can order free hardcopies from the National Asthma Council Australia at [email protected]
The online version of the flowchart was updated in August 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
