There's a lot to love about spring in Cronulla — warmer days, blossoming gardens, and that fresh sea breeze rolling in off the Pacific. But if you or someone in your family lives with asthma, this time of year can bring some unwelcome challenges alongside the sunshine. Pollen counts rise, the air fills with allergens, and for many people, asthma symptoms that were manageable through winter can suddenly flare. National Asthma Week (held annually in August) is a timely reminder for all of us — whether newly diagnosed or living with asthma for years — to pause, check in, and make sure we're as prepared as we can be.
Why spring can be harder for people with asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrowed in response to certain triggers. While triggers vary from person to person, spring consistently brings a cluster of them together. Here on the NSW coast, we see a particular combination: rising grass and tree pollen, increased humidity, and more time spent outdoors — all of which can push airways into overdrive.
One weather event worth knowing about is something called a 'thunderstorm asthma' episode. These occur when a storm front sweeps through and breaks pollen grains into much finer particles that penetrate deeper into the lungs. Melbourne experienced a severe thunderstorm asthma event in 2016 that hospitalised hundreds of people — many of whom had no idea their hay fever or mild asthma put them at risk. While Sydney has not experienced an event of the same magnitude, the risk exists across southeastern Australia during spring, and it's a good reason to take seasonal asthma seriously.
If you have hay fever — even without a formal asthma diagnosis — you may still be at risk during thunderstorm asthma events. It's worth discussing this with your GP, particularly before storm season hits.
Common spring triggers to watch for
Understanding your triggers is one of the most empowering things you can do for your asthma management. Spring triggers can overlap and compound each other, so being aware of the full picture helps you respond quickly when your symptoms start to change.
- Grass and tree pollen (peaks in spring across greater Sydney)
- Mould spores, which increase after wet weather
- Air pollution and bushfire smoke, which can drift into coastal areas
- Exercise in cool morning air, particularly along the beachfront
- Strong winds carrying airborne allergens
- Thunderstorms during high pollen days
- Viral respiratory infections (colds and flu, which remain common in early spring)
It's also worth remembering that asthma triggers are deeply individual. Some people find the coastal breeze soothing, while for others, increased wind simply carries more pollen. Keeping a simple symptom diary — noting what you were doing, where you were, and what the weather was like when symptoms flared — can help you and your GP identify your personal pattern.
Is your asthma action plan still working for you?
An Asthma Action Plan is a written document, prepared with your GP, that tells you exactly what to do when your symptoms change. It outlines your daily medications, how to recognise when your asthma is getting worse, what steps to take, and when to seek emergency help. If you have one, well done — you're already ahead. But when did you last look at it?
Asthma changes over time. The plan you put together a few years ago may no longer reflect your current medications, your lifestyle, or the severity of your condition. Asthma Australia recommends reviewing your Asthma Action Plan at least once a year — and spring, with its heightened risk, is an ideal time to do exactly that. You can learn more about National Asthma Week and find additional resources at asthma.org.au/get-involved/events/asthma-week.
Not sure if you have an Asthma Action Plan? Ask at your next GP visit. Your doctor can create one with you in a single appointment, and it could make a real difference when you need it most.
Practical steps you can take this spring
Good asthma management doesn't have to be complicated. There are several straightforward things you can do right now to reduce your risk and feel more confident heading into the warmer months.
- Check your inhaler: Make sure your reliever (usually a blue puffer) is not expired and that you have enough supply. Keep one at home and one with you when you're out.
- Review your inhaler technique: Studies consistently show that many people use their inhaler incorrectly without realising it. Ask your GP or pharmacist to watch your technique and offer feedback.
- Monitor the pollen count: The AusPollen website and many weather apps provide daily pollen forecasts. On high pollen days, consider limiting outdoor activity, especially during morning hours when counts are typically highest.
- Stay indoors during thunderstorms in spring: If a storm is forecast on a high pollen day, close your windows and doors, and have your reliever inhaler close at hand.
- Keep up with your preventer medication: If you've been prescribed a daily preventer inhaler, take it consistently — even when you feel well. This is the foundation of long-term asthma control.
- Get your flu vaccination: Respiratory infections are a common asthma trigger. Staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations is a practical way to reduce your risk.
- Talk to your GP before exercise: If exercise triggers your symptoms, your doctor may recommend using your reliever 15 minutes beforehand or adjusting your treatment plan.
When to seek help urgently
It's important to know the signs that your asthma is becoming a medical emergency. If you or someone nearby is experiencing severe symptoms, don't hesitate — act quickly.
- Severe shortness of breath that makes it difficult to speak in full sentences
- Reliever inhaler is not providing relief, or relief wears off within an hour
- Lips or fingernails appear bluish in colour
- The person appears distressed, exhausted, or is struggling to breathe
- Symptoms that are rapidly getting worse
In a severe asthma emergency, call 000 immediately. While waiting for the ambulance, administer four separate puffs of a reliever inhaler (one puff at a time, waiting 60 seconds between each), and repeat every four minutes if there is no improvement.
For symptoms that are worsening but not yet at emergency level, contact your GP promptly or visit an after-hours clinic. Asthma can escalate quickly, and it's always better to seek advice sooner rather than later.
Let's make this spring a good one
Living with asthma doesn't mean missing out on everything spring has to offer. With the right plan in place, most people with asthma are able to enjoy an active, full life — beach walks, weekend sport, and time in the garden included. The key is preparation, and National Asthma Week is a wonderful prompt to take that step.
If it's been a while since you've talked to a GP about your asthma, or if you've never had a formal review, we'd warmly encourage you to book an appointment with us at Cronulla Medical Practice. We can review your current medications, check your inhaler technique, update your Asthma Action Plan, and make sure you're heading into the season feeling confident and supported. You don't have to manage asthma alone — that's exactly what we're here for.