Murrumbidgee Local Health District is warning residents across the region that they could be at risk even if they don’t think they have asthma.
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The next four weeks or so may be a period of greater risk for asthma sufferers and people who wheeze and sneeze during spring time, according to the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).
“Thunderstorms cause pollen grains to explode and release fine particles which can be inhaled more deeply into the lungs making even more people wheeze and sneeze,” Director Public Health Unit Tracey Oakman said.
“People should be prepared, not alarmed, and anyone with diagnosed asthma should carry their asthma medication with them at all times during this high risk period,” she said.
People prone to respiratory conditions are being urged to take extra care as the start of thunderstorm season approaches.
Ms Oakman is urging asthma sufferers and people with breathing problems in particular to take extra precautions.
“Even if you don’t have asthma, you should take extra care because airborne pollens are at their highest levels at this time of year,” Mrs Oakman said. “Where possible avoid being outside during thunderstorms over the next four weeks. Parents should be vigilant to keep their children inside during storms, with the doors and windows closed.
“Anyone with diagnosed asthma should carry their asthma medication with them at all times during this high risk period.”
The Public Health Unit will be monitoring thunderstorm activity and pollen count levels and issuing alerts at these high risk times.
The four steps to remember are:
- sit the person upright;
- give four separate puffs from their reliever puffer;
- wait four minutes and if there’s no improvement, give four more puffs; and
- if there’s still no improvement, dial 000.
Breathing difficulties can be life threatening. In the event of an asthma emergency dial triple zero (000) immediately.