There is good evidence that those who were taking inhaled corticosteroid for their asthma prior to 21 November 2016 were protected. As a general principle it is important that asthma is adequately controlled with appropriate (usually inhaled) medication. Those who have been diagnosed with asthma should be provided with a management plan by their GP or specialist and it is important to adhere to the plan, even when feeling well.

Those with seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), without a history of asthma, would be at risk if another similar Thunderstorm Asthma event were to occur. As yet there is no consensus for how best to manage this group of people.

It is possible to diagnose rye grass allergy with a blood test (in addition to clinical assessment). For certain individuals, desensitisation treatment with sublingual tablets may be appropriate and this can be a very effective treatment. Desensitisation (immunotherapy) is best provided by an Allergist or Respiratory Physician.
the lower airways within the lungs. There are subtypes of asthma but In most cases it is an allergic disorder. The degree of airways inflammation fluctuates according to various factors, e.g. exposure to allergens, viruses and other triggers. With enough inflammation symptoms of cough, wheeze, chest tightness and breathlessness are provoked. Even when no symptoms are present there may be significant airways inflammation.

Australia has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world; approximately 15% of our population is affected.

For the vast majority of patients asthma can be well controlled with simple, safe medications that are taken regularly. A small proportion of people have more severe asthma that requires additional medications and specialist management.