More than six million Australians are being warned to prepare for a potentially severe hay fever season as warm, dry spring conditions follow a wet winter across much of the country.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast above-average temperatures across most of Australia during spring, with the greatest risk expected in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
Its seasonal outlook indicates that rainfall is likely to be below average across parts of southern and eastern Australia, while much of the western half of the country is expected to be wetter than usual. Temperatures are forecast to be higher than average in several eastern states.
The combination of plentiful plant growth after winter rain, rapid spring flowering and dry winds is expected to send pollen levels higher. Around one in four Australians suffers from allergic rhinitis, with pollen and grass among the most common environmental triggers.
Health experts are particularly concerned about thunderstorm asthma, which can occur when grass pollen is swept into the atmosphere, broken into tiny particles and carried back to ground level by storm winds.
The condition can develop in people with asthma, undiagnosed asthma or no previous history of the illness. Symptoms may include sudden breathing difficulties, wheezing, chest tightness and persistent coughing, and can worsen rapidly.
Melbourne experienced a major thunderstorm asthma outbreak in November 2016, when nine people died from respiratory distress linked to the event.
Hay fever sufferers urged to act early
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Michael Wright said people vulnerable to seasonal flare-ups should review their treatment before symptoms became severe.
“Taking steps early to manage allergies and ensuring asthma is well controlled can help people stay well through spring and summer,” Dr Wright said.
“An appropriate management plan can be discussed with a GP, including preventive treatments where appropriate, rather than waiting for symptoms to escalate.”
Healthdirect advises people with hay fever or asthma to carry their reliever medication during the pollen season and follow any asthma action plan provided by their doctor.
On days when thunderstorms are approaching and pollen counts are high, those at risk should remain indoors, particularly during the windy period before rain arrives, and keep doors and windows closed.
Western Australia and the Northern Territory are expected to avoid the worst of the conditions, with the west forecast to experience a milder and wetter spring than the east. However, above-average temperatures are still likely across much of Western Australia.
