World News – African Union – « Great dangers »: Thunderstorm warnings of asthma in hot and stormy weather

While Victoria is enjoying the summer, there are strong warnings about the risk of developing thunderstorm asthma as the « extreme » pollen count is expected to arrive on Tuesday

The city is set to record 30 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, with possible afternoon thunderstorms in the outer western suburbs

Forbes Jordan surfing in Torquay on Monday while temperatures will be high on Tuesday and Wednesday, but thunderstorms are around the corner Credit: Joe Armau

Melbourne is expected to reach 29 degrees on Wednesday with gusty winds and widespread storms in the afternoon and evening.

There is a moderate risk of developing asthma due to thunderstorms across northern Victoria in Wimera and Mali on Tuesday, according to the Health Department

But the risk is greater on Wednesday. Mallee, Wimmera and southwestern Victoria are expected to be at high risk of developing asthma due to thunderstorms

There will be moderate risk to Melbourne on Wednesday, along with the rest of the central, north central, and northern counties.

State Health Chief Justin Dunlop says Victoria has reached a « critical » pollen season over the next two weeks.

He said in a video on Twitter: « If there is a thunderstorm, it means that you are at greater risk if there is pollen in the air, whether you suffer from hay fever or asthma. »

“Even people who have not experienced these things before, these things can sometimes have the first effects in a thunderstorm day”

Mr. Dunlop encouraged people to stay indoors during any thunderstorms, making sure they had medication on hand if they had asthma or hay fever, and seeing a GP to make sure they had an up-to-date asthma plan.

According to Melbourne’s pollen count, the forecast for grass pollen was « severe » on Tuesday and « high » on Wednesday

Associate Professor Senk Sofyoglu from Deakin University said: « For the many who are allergic to grass pollen, with the possibility of a thunderstorm looming, this is a very high risk especially for those who have not had an asthma attack before. » / p>

He said that the three main risk factors for developing asthma from thunderstorms include having a pollen allergy, having undiagnosed asthma, having hay fever or asthma but not keeping up with preventive medications.

Assistant Professor Sofioglu told 3AW Breakfast

“This throws another dangerous into the mix, as the immune system is already vulnerable for those who have recovered from COVID

“Our immune system is very sensitive, and if you are allergic to grass pollen and know you have asthma, you should be on top of your asthma action plan. Now is the time”

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Ashley Macmillan, Breaking News Correspondent on The Age Do you have a story? Email me hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahkum au

Asthma, Thunderstorms, Allergic Rhinitis