With an exceptionally wet winter creating strong conditions for grass growth across South Australia, Asthma Australia is urging Adelaide residents with asthma to make sure they are well-prepared for a predicted intense pollen season in 2025. This comes alongside early indications from AirHealth suggest that the region could face higher pollen levels this spring compared to recent years.
Dr Edwin Lampugnani, CEO of AirHealth, shared, “The conditions we’re seeing this spring suggest the potential for a more active pollen season. With wetter soils, early grass growth, and the prospect of more rain ahead, South Australians could experience higher pollen levels than in recent years.”
Satellite imagery has already shown more lush greenery in areas such as the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, and parts of the Mid North. This additional vegetation suggests an increased availability of grass biomass to produce pollen during the flowering season, which may lead to a particularly vigorous or prolonged pollen period should further rains arrive in October.
To help individuals stay informed and manage their exposure to heightened pollen levels, Dr Lampugnani recommends the AirRater app. “People can track daily pollen forecasts and receive push notifications through the free AirRater app to stay ahead of high-risk days,” he said.
Asthma Australia South Australia Director Nigel Cooper added, “Now is the time for people with asthma or hay fever to act — check your asthma control with your GP, there are also asthma control questionnaires online at Asthma Australia.
“Use your preventer as recommended and make sure you have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan, which formalises how to manage asthma and what to do if symptoms worsen.”
Updated asthma guidelines now suggest using anti-inflammatory relievers that combine a preventer and reliever in one device, instead of the traditional blue reliever inhaler alone, to improve symptom control.
Asthma Australia has outlined several steps for residents to prepare for the upcoming pollen season including reviewing your asthma control with your GP, ensuring daily use of your preventer as prescribed, and keep your asthma action plan current. Plus, it’s recommended to always have your reliever accessible, manage hay fever symptoms with recommended treatments such as nasal steroid sprays, and on days with high pollen counts or during storms, stay indoors as much as possible, shut windows and doors, and keep your reliever inhaler within easy reach.
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