Doctors are warning wetter conditions in spring could lead to a higher risk of 'thunderstorm asthma', which could pose a danger to Australians with and without asthma.

Much of eastern Australia - including Sydney and Melbourne - is expected to receive above-average rainfall between September and December, meaning grass pollens and other allergens could be transported from rural areas into urban areas.

In certain thunderstorm conditions, these particles can be broken up and enter the lungs, causing an asthma attack even in people who do not regularly suffer from asthma.

One serious incident occurred in Victoria in 2016 , when 10 people died after ambulance and emergency services were overwhelmed with the number of people suffering from asthma symptoms after a thunderstorm.

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