After the "Thunderstorm Asthma Event" on 21st November 2016 - Melbourne suddenly had very high numbers of people developing acute breathing difficulties due to asthma flares.
It is thought that the event was caused several factors: including persistently high grass pollen counts combined with rapid changes in air moisture and wind levels.
In preliminary research from the Royal Melbourne Hospital, 100% of people presenting to the Emergency department had an allergic sensitisation to grass pollen.
Treatment for grass pollen allergy with specific allergen immunotherapy has demonstrated clear benefits for such people, and is now part of National asthma guidelines.
Making sure with your doctor that you have a clear & complete management plan for your asthma and grass pollen allergies will significantly reduce risk of severe allergies this hay fever season.