Deadly thunderstorm asthma triggered by weather events

Rain causing pollen fibres to rupture into tiny pieces is increasing the risk for people with respiratory problems to suffer from potentially deadly thunderstorm asthma.

Experts are warning for people with worsening hay fever or asthma symptoms to be conscious of the threat increasing thunderstorms can have on their health.

Thunderstorm asthma is a common and potentially dangerous condition only applicable to Australians living in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT.

The condition is caused by an increase in ryegrass pollen in the air.

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"Spring time storms brings that pollen across these areas and the moisture in the air saturates the pollen and makes it rupture into tiny pieces that can get right down into the small airways in your lungs," nurse and Respiratory Educator for the National Asthma Council, Marg Gorgon, told nine.com.au.

The people most at risk of thunderstorm asthma are people with allergies or people with asthma already.

"If people suffer from springtime hay fever, a lot of that is based around ryegrass pollen," Ms Gordon said.

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"What this means for people that have asthma already is that their condition may not be an manageable on those high pollen-count days or those big storm forecast days."

"People need to be aware that weather conditions can be triggering for those symptoms so they should carry a puffer and follow their asthma plan."

While the risk is reasonably low for people who don't suffer from respiratory conditions, it can be particularly dangerous for those who do.

In 2016, thunderstorms in Melbourne caused the deaths of ten people, with thousands more hospitalised in a sudden bout of the condition.

Emergency departments were flooded with more than 14,000 people presenting with symptoms of thunderstorm asthma.

Seven men and three women – aged 18 to 57 – died as a result and the event is regarded as possibly the most catastrophic epidemic thunderstorm asthma event in Australia's history.

Among those who died was law student Hope Carnevali.

The 20-year-old felt wheezy and was taken outside to get some "fresh air" before she collapsed and died outside her home, the coroner heard.

Clarence Lea, 37, had the door open and was out of asthma medication when he became distressed, collapsed and suffered fatal respiratory failure.

Priyantha Peiris, 57, had gone outside to retrieve washing and put his car in the garage before the storm, and later he collapsed and died.

Since the tragic event, doctors have been urged people to be particularly careful around this time of year.

Roughly 11 per cent of the population, more than 2.7 million people, suffer from asthma in Australia, making spring a dangerous time for many Australians.

Ms Gorgon recommended people who could be at risk avoid being outdoors before or during a thunderstorms, close their doors and windows during stormy days and download pollen-count apps to know which days pose a high risk.

"The people who are at most risk are those who have allergic ryenitius or asthma but who are under treating those conditions or not adhering to their medication," she said.

"If people feel concerned they should visit their doctor and even during COVID times there are telehealth appointments available.

"If you've noticed your symptoms changing during these times, then its a really appropriate time to have an asthma review with your GP."