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“Thunderstorm Asthma Update” presented by Prof. Frank Thien and colleagues
As part of our ongoing seminar series, the Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma hosted Prof. Frank Thien, for a webinar “Thunderstorm Asthma Update” on 04 October 2018.
Presentation Summary:
This presentation provides an update on the tragic thunderstorm asthma events that occurred in Melbourne during the afternoon of 21st November 2016. This event tragically resulted in the loss of ten lives, determined by coronial investigation. On behalf of the Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma we offer our sincere condolences to the families who lost loved ones.
Prof. Frank Thien presents an update on what has been learned since this event and a summary of their recent publication in The Lancet: Planetary Health (click here for the publication). Key findings from their study demonstrated that Asian or Indian ethnicity and a doctor diagnosis of asthma were each significantly associated with increased risk of life-threatening asthma attacks requiring hospitalisation or causing death. The findings provide important considerations for future healthcare responses and management of thunderstorm asthma.
Prof. Frank Thien is joined by colleagues A/Prof. Mark Hew (Clinician Researcher, Alfred Hospital; Monash University), A/Prof. Paul Beggs (Environmental Health Scientist, Macquarie University), Prof. Janet Davies (Applied Allergy Researcher, QUT; Metro North Hospital and Health Service) and Dr. Danny Csutoros (Senior Medical Adviser, Dept. of Health & Human Services) for a discussion of the findings and question-and-answer session.
To view a recording of our previous “Thunderstorm Asthma” seminar presented by Prof. Guy Marks on 02 December 2016 click here.
About Prof. Frank Thien:
Professor Frank Thien is Director of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Eastern Health, Box Hill Hospital, Monash University, Eastern Health Clinical School, Melbourne. He has research interests in severe asthma, drug allergy, interstitial lung disease, and functional lung imaging. He is the current President of the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (APAAACI).
