Posted on 11/23/2016 7:51:14 AM PST by BenLurkin
Paramedics and hospitals were stretched to their limits as thousands phoned to report breathing problems.
The trigger was an extreme level of rye grass pollen in the air, whipped up by strong winds.
Ambulance Victoria took more than 1,870 calls between 18:00 (07:00 GMT) and 23:00 on Monday.
The figure is more than six times the daily average, and at least 30 people are in intensive care.
...
Melbourne's thunderstorm asthma event was caused by very high levels of rye grass pollen.
About one in 10 people have asthma in Australia, with about 80% of those sufferers experiencing allergies, particularly to rye pollen.
When saturated in rain, the pollen breaks down into smaller particles which become easier to inhale and trigger an asthma attack.
"A person who has an allergic response to that particular pollen, because it's so small, it will get into the lungs," Asthma Victoria chief Robin Ould told the BBC.
He said Monday's rye particle count of 102 was more than double what would be considered high on a normal day.
Melbourne's current spring season has been particularly wet, creating havoc for asthma and hay fever sufferers.
"It's quite rare and we've seen two incidents of this kind this century in Melbourne," Mr Ould said.
...
"The key message of this event is that, if you have asthma, you should be using your preventative medication as described," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Two words: rescue inhaler!
CC
Asthma mask
Asthma mask
Okay, four words and a comma.
CC
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