Hay Fever, Asthma and Plants in Western Australia

Share This Post

In September 2013, St John Ambulance in Western Australia, reported a startling increase in  call outs to asthma related medical emergencies. More than 110, compared to less than 90 per month during the rest of the year.

Read the news article here. 

The rise in asthma related incidents has been attributed to the spring weather in WA bringing about lots of flowering plants. Hay fever (or allergic rhinitis) is a well known trigger for asthma. As beautiful as they may be, horticultural expert Sabrina Hahn advises that there there are plants which should be avoided in family gardens and suitable alternatives for  those who are allergic should be planted instead.

Some plants to avoid (pollinated by wind): 

  • Ash
  • Plane
  • Pine
  • Privet
  • Liquid Ambers
  • Birches
  • Wattles
  • Cypress
  • Elms

Plants which may be more suitable (insect pollinated):

  • Almond
  • All Citrus
  • Chinese Pistachio
  • Bauhinia
  • Agonis
  • Eucalypts
  • Hakea
  • Melaleuca

St John Ambulance Service General Manager, James Sherriff, shares some advice for asthma sufferers.

“It is critical that asthma sufferers ensure they keep their puffer medication nearby, and ensure they have an adequate supply of in-date medication.”

…”if you don’t have your medication nearby or it isn’t relieving your symptoms, then do not hesitate to call triple zero. Asthma attacks can worsen rapidly.”

To read the full news article, click here.

Some general pollen avoidance tips from HayMax.

  • Avoid drying clothes outside during high pollen count days.
  • Shower before bed to remove pollen from hair and skin which can cause symptoms to flare up overnight.
  • Close windows when driving, use the air-con instead. Most modern cars have a pollen filter which can help.

For more tips on managing allergies, go to the HayMax Allergy Guide

 

More To Explore

Our Plastic Waste Problem

This Blog was actually written by Lola in 2020 but was never published.  We think it should be so here it is.
In the last few years there has been a real effort to cut down on plastics,

Get in touch

Please send me a weekly email with the pollen forecast and helpful tips about managing allergies:
Your personal data will be used to process your order, support your experience throughout this website, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy.

HayMax™ Ltd
Postern Piece Farm, Ampthill,
Bedford, MK45 2EX
E-mail : [email protected]
Tel : 01525 406600
© HayMax™ Ltd 2020.