While it’s difficult to predict when thunderstorm asthma events will occur, if you experience asthma or hay fever, it’s best to be as prepared as possible during those high pollen seasons such as spring and summer. Here are the top 5 ways to be prepared and reduce your risk of experience severe symptoms.
- Stay Indoors
This one is fairly straight forward. If a storm is approaching, minimize your exposure to potential allergens blown on the winds of the approaching thunderstorm by staying inside with all doors and windows closed.
- See Your Doctor
You should ensure you have an asthma plan in place. This is something you should discuss with your doctor prior to high pollen seasons. Whether that means increasing whatever medications you are currently taking, changing medications or getting some over the counter anti-histamines.
- Use Your Preventer
If you’ve been prescribed preventer medication, remember they work slowly and can take up to a few weeks to work so make sure you remember to take them every day
- Always Carry your Reliever
Even if you’ve taken every measure to prevent symptoms, you are never 100% immune so make sure to keep your reliever on you at all times. This is something your GP may discuss with you when working out your asthma plan.
- Know the Signs of Worsening Asthma
Whether asthma is a new thing for you or something you’ve had most of your life, it’s important to know the signs to look out for if your asthma is getting severe or life-threatening. This includes not being able to speak a full sentence in one breath, tugging in of the skin between ribs or at base of neck, coughing, wheezing, confused, exhausted or gasping for breath.
Contact Melbourne City Medical Centre to discuss your asthma or hay fever symptoms today.