23 October 2025
In people with allergy to grass pollens – with or without known asthma – thunderstorm asthma can be triggered by exposure to a high concentration of pollen fragments in wind gusts at the start of a thunderstorm.
In Victoria, this mainly occurs in springtime or early summer, and is associated with high perennial rye grass pollen counts.
The HealthPathways Melbourne Thunderstorm Asthma Pathway has been updated to reflect the elevated risk in Victoria. Further updates to the page are in progress to reflect recent changes to the Australian Asthma Handbook. Â
A clinical editor’s note highlights the seasonal alert and links to key resources such as VicEmergency website and app to support point-of-care decision-making. Â
The pathway includes practical guidance for identifying and managing at-risk patients, particularly those with seasonal allergic rhinitis or ryegrass allergy, even without prior asthma history and ensuring access to preventers and relievers.
Other related pathways:
- Asthma in Adults – AcuteÂ
- Asthma in Adults – Non-acuteÂ
- Acute Asthma in ChildrenÂ
- Asthma in Primary School-aged Children (Aged 6 to 11 Years)Â
- Respiratory ReferralsÂ
About HealthPathways Melbourne
HealthPathways Melbourne is a clinical management and referral resource designed for use during consultations. It gives clinicians a single website to access clinical referral pathways and resources.
HealthPathways Melbourne is a collaborative program run by the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN), and North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN).
Access to HealthPathways Melbourne is available to healthcare professionals within the Eastern Melbourne and North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN and NWMPHN) regions only.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@healthpathwaysmelbourne.org.au
