Melbourne is known as the hay fever and asthma capital of the world, and this year's warm, wet winter could make spring particularly challenging for allergy sufferers. An RMIT expert explains why the risks are higher and how Victorians can prepare.
Dr Hao Wang, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences:
"A perfect storm of tree and grass pollen, prevailing winds and unpredictable spring weather has helped make Melbourne the world's hay fever capital.
"This year's warm, wet winter has encouraged grass growth and could mean more pollen days when those grasses flower.
"Thunderstorm asthma is a particular concern when high grass pollen counts coincide with certain storms.
"Rain and moisture can cause pollen grains to rupture, releasing fine particles that wind gusts carry deep into the lungs. People with grass pollen allergy may therefore develop breathing difficulties or have an asthma attack even without a previous asthma diagnosis.
"Antihistamines can help with occasional hay fever symptoms, while anti-inflammatory nasal sprays are often more effective for frequent sufferers. Anyone with asthma should check that their treatment and action plan are up to date.
"It's also worth checking pollen levels on the Melbourne Pollen website and Victoria's thunderstorm asthma risk forecast on the VicEmergency app during the grass pollen season, from 1 October to 31 December."
Dr Hao Wang is a Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellow at RMIT University. His research investigates immune responses in severe asthma and other chronic lung diseases.
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