Asthma and hayfever sufferers are being urged to have a plan in place if their symptoms flare up, with spring bringing high pollen counts and the increased risk of asthma attacks.
Matthew Peters is a respiratory physician at Concord Hospital in Sydney's inner west and said the highest risk period for thunderstorm asthma events in NSW is between October and December.
He said sufferers should be prepared.
"Anyone with diagnosed asthma should have access to their medication at all times during this high-risk period, avoid exposure to triggers where possible and proactively manage their asthma by regularly taking their inhaler treatments and monitoring symptoms," Professor Peters said.
Prof Peters said even people without asthma can be impacted by the amount of pollen in the air during the high risk period over spring.
"Even if you don't have asthma, pollen is at its highest throughout spring and may spark problems in people with allergies like hay fever and sinus problems," he said.
Bushfire smoke can also be a trigger for breathing problems.
Thunderstorm asthma events occur when pollen is drawn into the atmosphere and dispersed through a storm.
They are rare but can have devastating impacts, such as the Melbourne event in November 2016 that led to to 10 deaths.
Parents of children with asthma are urged to make sure reliever medication is up to date and is stored somewhere that can be easily accessed.
