Ambulance Victoria is urging Victorians living with asthma to review their asthma action plans and medications ahead of spring, when pollen, dust, air pollution and thunderstorms can increase the risk of symptoms.
Ambulance Victoria Director Emergency Management Dale Armstrong said preparing before symptoms worsened could help people manage their condition and recognise when they need urgent medical attention.
“Asthma affects people of all ages and while it can become life-threatening, it is usually well managed when people understand their triggers and have an up-to-date asthma action plan,” Armstrong said.
An asthma action plan sets out how to manage symptoms and what steps to take if the condition worsens. Adults are advised to review their plans at least once a year, while children’s plans should be updated every six months.
Spring can bring a range of asthma triggers, including grass pollen, dust and air pollution. Indoor irritants such as mould, dust mites and fumes from gas cooktops can also contribute to symptoms.
Thunderstorm asthma is another seasonal risk. It can occur when high levels of grass pollen combine with particular thunderstorm conditions, potentially causing severe breathing problems in people with asthma or hay fever.
Common asthma symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness.
“It can be easy to become complacent if you haven’t experienced symptoms for a while, but asthma doesn’t disappear,” Armstrong said.
“That’s why we encourage Victorians to check their medication, review their action plan and book in with their GP before symptoms become a problem.”
Asthma can also develop for the first time during adulthood. People experiencing ongoing allergy or hay fever symptoms, including a runny nose, itchy eyes or persistent congestion, are encouraged to speak with their GP about treatment and whether further assessment may be appropriate.
Ambulance Victoria said taking preventative measures could help people remain active during spring while reducing avoidable pressure on emergency health services.
“If you are having difficulty breathing and your reliever medicine is not helping, call Triple Zero (000) immediately,” Armstrong said.
For non-emergency health concerns, Victorians can seek advice through GPs and pharmacists, Urgent Care Clinics and Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24, which provides free advice from registered nurses around the clock.
The Virtual Emergency Department also provides free video consultations with emergency doctors and nurses across Victoria, 24 hours a day.
Victorians are encouraged to monitor the epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast through the VicEmergency app or website between 1 October and 31 December.
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