1800 278 462
BRISBANE residents with asthma and hay fever are being warned that high pollen counts are forecast for the week ahead and may cause breathing difficulties.
Asthma Australia is advising people who experience asthma and hay fever to keep vigilant with their medication and note their symptoms.
“People with hay fever are up to three times more likely to get asthma and high pollen counts can be problematic,” said Asthma Australia CEO Michele Goldman.
“See your doctor if you experience wheezing, breathlessness, persistent cough or tight chest.These could be signs of asthma. Take it seriously, asthma flare-ups can be life threatening,” she said.
Airborne grass pollen levels peak around February in Brisbane, depending on the weather. Most grasses in Queensland are the subtropical types that flower throughout summer and autumn giving Brisbane an extended grass pollen “season”.
Brisbane residents can access pollen count information via Brisbane Pollen’s website or by downloading their app ‘Brisbane Pollen’.
During the grass pollen season Queensland University of Technology counts pollen daily.
For more information about asthma and allergy management, call the free 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) service to speak to an Asthma Educator, consult your GP or Pharmacist, or visit https://asthma.org.au/about-asthma/triggers/hay-fever/
The AusPollen Partnership is building a standardised pollen monitoring network to provide local daily information on grass pollen levels in the air to help people with hay fever and asthma. Asthma Australia is supporting The AusPollen Partnership with a four year investment totalling $60,000 or $15,000 per annum.