Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thunderstorm Asthma?

On the evening of Monday 21 November 2016, Melbourne experienced the largest ever recorded “Thunderstorm Asthma” event. After a particularly hot day a dramatic cool change arrived with thunderstorm activity and strong westerly winds. Within a short period many thousands of people across Melbourne developed breathing difficulties. There was a huge spike in calls to emergency services (000) and emergency department attendances. In the 30 hours from the start of the event there was a 1000% increase in asthma-related admissions to Victorian hospitals when compared with the 3-year average. Tragically, nine deaths occurred which can be directly attributed to the Thunderstorm Asthma event.

Dr Adrian Chazan

MBBS MELB FRACP

Dr Chazan is a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, and General Physician. Born in Melbourne, he undertook his basic medical training at the University of Melbourne. With a passion for sleep and breathing, he trained at world-renowned centres of excellence in Melbourne and Sydney, including Westmead Hospital, the Alfred Hospital and Monash Medical Centre. Adrian has been involved in research activities in the fields of sleep apnoea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exercise physiology.

Adrian utilises the latest findings in sleep research as well as the emerging technologies in diagnosis and treatment. He takes a patient-centered approach to medical care with the aim of empowering his patients to achieve better sleep and optimal long-term health outcomes.

Dr Calvin Sidhu

MBBS FRACP

Dr Sidhu completed his Bachelor of Medicine at the University of Newcastle (NSW). He undertook his Physician training at Westmead Hospital (Sydney) and Specialist training in Victoria.

He has completed additional training in Interventional Pulmonology and Pleural Medicine at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (Perth) and Palliative Medicine (NSW). He has obtained required skills for bronchoscopies (respiratory endoscopies), endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and pleural procedures. He has relevant experience in managing general respiratory conditions, emphysema-COPD, severe asthma, bronchiectasis, lung tumors, enlarged chest lymph nodes (mediastinal lymphadenopathy) and pleural conditions (pneumothorax , pleural effusions) and incorporating procedural treatments if appropriate.

He currently also hold a honorary position as a Sleep Medicine fellow at Monash Hospital.

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