What hay fever sufferers can expect from another La Niña

Australia has among the highest prevalence of asthma and hay fever globally. La Niña (and El Niño) will undoubtedly affect allergy sufferers. 

Sea-surface temperatures across the east-central equatorial Pacific cycle between episodes of La Niña (when the sea is cooler) and El Niño (when it is warmer). These complex weather patterns are likely to alter the amount of pollen in the air. 

A La Niña event has been declared for the third year in a row, increasing the likelihood eastern and northern Australia will be wetter than normal. This will raise health concerns for some people due to prolific pastureland growth and more grass pollen. 

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma can be triggered by pollen from grasses, weeds or trees. Thunderstorms can also be a trigger.

Record rainfalls in regional Victoria led up to Australia’s most catastrophic respiratory allergy event in November 2016, when thunderstorm asthma was linked to several thousand trips to Melbourne hospital emergency departments and ten deaths.

Continue reading on The Conversation: Lush grasslands, higher allergy risks – what hay fever sufferers can expect from another La Niña season