There's a heightened risk of asthma in the coming days because of a combination of thunder and a high pollen count.
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ACT Health is warning of a "thunderstorm asthma event" on Thursday and Friday.
"Thunderstorm asthma" is the triggering of an asthma attack by a thunderstorm. The storm can act on pollen to make particles smaller and so, easier to breathe, and that increases the risk of asthma attacks.
"Thunderstorm asthma can be triggered by a combination of high grass pollen levels and a particular type of thunderstorm, which causes some people to develop severe asthma symptoms over a short period of time," a statement from ACT Health said.
Health officials urge asthma sufferers to keep an eye on their conditions and symptoms over the next few days.
"Where possible avoid being outside during a thunderstorm - especially in the wind gusts that come before the storm. Go inside and close your doors and windows. If you have your air conditioning on, turn it onto recirculate.
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"If you develop asthma symptoms, follow your asthma action plan. If you experience asthma symptoms that are not relieved by your usual asthma treatment, you should seek further urgent medical advice. In the event of a medical emergency you should call 000."
For daily levels of grass pollen in the ACT visit the Canberra Pollen Count and Forecast Service: http://www.canberrapollen.com.au
For further information on current air quality in the ACT visit the ACT Health website: https://health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/population-health/environmental-monitoring/monitoring-and-regulating-air
Steve Evans
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
