WILD winds, thunderstorms and high grass pollen levels tonight and tomorrow will heighten the likelihood of thunderstorm asthma.
Emergency Victoria warns that those with asthma, hay fever or a rye grass allergy should be particularly aware of the risks.
Swan Hill’s Marraboor Pharmacy co-owner and pharmacist Zoe Lazarou said while Ventolin and similar relievers are available without a prescription, the pandemic may make access to this medication more difficult.
“There have been tighter restrictions (on Ventolin) since the pandemic,” Ms Lazarou said.
“So ideally people should see their GP to ensure an easy supply.”
While Ms Lazarou has not seen a case of thunderstorm asthma locally before, she said the phenomenon has been “well-documented” elsewhere, and she reiterated the advice that those with asthma and hay fever actively manage their exposure.
The thunderstorm asthma warning has been made specifically for those in the Mallee, Wimmera and South West, as the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds across the state including in parts of the Mallee, South West, North Central and Wimmera regions.
Due to COVID-19 and the possibility of limited hospital staff availability, if an individual has a history of asthma or hay fever, or they experience wheezing, breathlessness, a feeling of tightness in the chest or a persistent cough, they should have reliever medication with them at all times today.
Those at risk should avoid the wind gusts before the storm and go inside, closing windows and doors before and during the storm.
If using air conditioning, turn it onto recirculate.
An asthma attack is serious and can be life threatening so if asthma symptoms develop, the patient should follow their asthma action plan or the four steps of asthma first aid. ASTHMA FIRST AID GUIDE
Step one: Sit the person upright.
Be calm and reassuring.
Do not leave them alone.
Step two: Give four separate puffs of blue/grey reliever puffer.
Shake the puffer.
Put one puff into the spacer.
Take four breaths from the spacer.
Repeat until four puffs have been taken.
(If you don’t have a spacer, simply inhale four puffs directly by mouth).
Remember: Shake, one puff, four breaths OR give two separate doses of a Bricanyl inhaler (age six and over) or a Symbicort inhaler (over 12).
Step three: Wait four minutes. If there is no improvement, give four more separate puffs of blue/grey reliever, as with step two OR give one more dose of Bricanyl or Symbicort inhaler.
Step four: If there is still no improvement, dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
Keep giving the person four separate puffs every four minutes until emergency assistance arrives.
Call triple zero (000) immediately if:
* the person is not breathing
* their asthma suddenly becomes worse
* the person is having an asthma attack and there’s no blue or grey reliever available
* you are not sure if it is asthma.
Reminder:
* Asthma relievers are available from pharmacies without a prescription and the Better Health website produced in consultation with the Victorian Department of Health says using asthma reliever medication in an emergency when breathing is difficult is unlikely to cause harm, even if the person doesn’t have asthma.
* The Nurse On Call number is 1300 60 60 24
* You can monitor the epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk on the VicEmergency app.
* Make sure you follow up with your doctor after your experience
Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
To access this information in other languages call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.
