Thunderstorm asthma
If you or another person shows signs of a severe asthma attack, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Key facts
- Thunderstorm asthma is asthma triggered by a mixture of grass pollen in the air and thunderstorm conditions.
- Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and persistent coughing.
- The risk is highest in adults who are sensitive to grass pollen and have seasonal hay fever.
- If your thunderstorm asthma symptoms are moderate or mild, you should use your asthma inhaler ('puffer').
- If you are allergic to pollen, stay indoors before, during and after thunderstorms in pollen seasons.
What is thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma is asthma triggered by a mixture of grass pollen in the air and thunderstorm conditions.
Thunderstorm asthma usually affects people in the windy period before rain starts in a thunderstorm. It usually happens in spring and early summer. Even people who have never had asthma before can get thunderstorm asthma.
Watch this video from Better Health Channel about thunderstorm asthma. It's also available with subtitles in languages other than English on the Health Translations website.
What are the symptoms of thunderstorm asthma?
Symptoms of thunderstorm asthma include:
- shortness of breath
- tightness in your chest
- wheezing
- persistent cough
The symptoms of thunderstorm asthma can get worse very quickly.
If you are having difficulty breathing, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma happens when pollen grains are drawn up into the clouds as a thunderstorm forms. The pollen grains absorb water, swell and burst open. Particles containing pollen allergens are released, and the wind can push these tiny particles down to ground level where they can be inhaled.
The risk of thunderstorm asthma is highest in adults who are sensitive to grass pollen (particularly rye grass pollen) and have seasonal hay fever. It can also happen to people who have never suffered from asthma before and in people of any age.
When should I see my doctor?
If you experience asthma symptoms during or following a thunderstorm that don't improve using your regular asthma medicine, you should see your doctor.
If your breathing problems are severe, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is thunderstorm asthma diagnosed?
If you've had symptoms of thunderstorm asthma, your doctor may refer you to an allergy specialist. They may recommend that you have allergy testing to confirm a rye grass pollen allergy.
How is thunderstorm asthma treated?
If you experience thunderstorm asthma, you should follow your asthma action plan (if you have one) and use your asthma inhaler as prescribed.
You can reduce your chance of developing thunderstorm asthma by keeping hay fever under control and reducing your exposure to pollen. Your doctor may prescribe you an antihistamine medicine or corticosteroid nasal spray.
If thunderstorm asthma is causing recurrent, severe symptoms, your allergy specialist may recommend allergen immunotherapy.
Can thunderstorm asthma be prevented?
If you have asthma or hay fever, you can help protect yourself from thunderstorm asthma by managing these conditions and planning for emergency situations.
See your doctor to develop an asthma action plan or hay fever treatment plan.
Your plan should include what preventative medicines you can take to manage your condition and what you should do in an asthma emergency. You should review your treatment plan regularly with your doctor.
People at risk of thunderstorm asthma should carry an asthma inhaler during the pollen season. If you've been prescribed an asthma preventer medicine, make sure you take it as prescribed.
You can check weather forecasts and pollen counts with these sources:
- Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website or the BOM Weather app
- Australian Pollen Allergen Partnership, which shares pollen count in some cities
- AirRater app, which links your symptoms to weather conditions, including pollen counts, and can notify you of triggers
If a thunderstorm is approaching and it's a high pollen count day:
- Make sure you have your reliever medicine with you.
- Stay inside, especially when it is windy before the rain.
- Close your doors and windows.
- If an air conditioner is on, set it to recirculate air.
Face masks don't protect you against the tiny particles that cause thunderstorm asthma.
What are the complications of thunderstorm asthma?
Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening; keeping on top of your asthma management can reduce the chance of severe flare-ups.
Even in the absence of severe flare-ups, poorly-controlled asthma can have a negative effect on your life. Complications may include:
- fatigue or exhaustion
- poor sleep
- being less productive at work or while studying
- being unable to exercise and be physically active
- reduced lung function
- poor mental health
Taking your medicines exactly as prescribed is important. If you feel that your asthma is affecting your quality of life, contact your doctor. They can review your medicines.
Resources and support
Information about thunderstorm asthma is also available in languages other than English on the Health Translation website.
For more information about asthma first aid see the National Asthma Council Australia website.
Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: May 2024
