Six new automated pollen counters are being rolled out in Victoria to help improve forecasting for thunderstorm asthma.

Thunderstorm asthma refers to episodes of asthma symptoms that occur when high pollen levels are combined with a thunderstorm.

Pollen particles are being broken down into even smaller fragments than usual, enabling them to penetrate deeper into the lungs and possibly trigger severe asthma attacks.

“It’s important to use your inhalers, whether they are reliever or preventer medications, correctly and consistently if you are prone to asthma. Equally crucial is having a clear understanding of your action plan.

“Recognizing the symptoms and taking action early is key if you are experiencing tightness, breathlessness, a persistent cough, or wheezing. These are indications that you might be having an asthma episode.”

Bartone also warned sufferers of hayfever to be aware of their symptoms, saying the crossover between asthma and hayfever is high.

“This is the season when many people complain about watery eyes, runny noses, and sneezing due to the high pollen levels,” he explained. 

“But there are other triggers for hay fever as well that sufferers suffer from.”