Adjunct lecturer and researcher with Charles Sturt University's thunderstorm asthma alert program, Bruce Graham, has warned the pollen count in the Riverina is worrying highly.

He said teamed with an increased likelihood of thunderstorms, the high pollen count meant it was likely the region could experience thunderstorm asthma events this year.

"The general view is we have had a pretty good rainfall season, if you look around the region there's lots of greenery and golden fields," he said.

"If we do have a problem with thunderstorms affecting asthmatics associated with pollen count, it's likely to be high in both regions across the Murray Valley and Murrumbidgee."

Thunderstorm asthma can affect those without asthma diagnoses, and people with hayfever - especially those who experience wheezing or coughing - are at increased risk. Epidemic thunderstorm asthma can be sudden and life threatening.

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Dr Graham said thunderstorms split pollen particles into smaller fragments, making it easier for them to enter people's lungs and cause breathing problems.

"It can be a bit hit and miss, you could have good crops and good grass growth but but get the appropriate type of storms or storms at the appropriate time," he said.

Dr Graham said storms can split pollen particles into smaller fragments, making it easier for them to enter people's lungs and cause breathing problems.

Albury Wodonga Health emergency department nurse unit manager Lindsay Nichol said they had not seen an increase in asthma cases, but that it was important those with asthma understand possible triggers.

"Grass pollen season always proves particularly challenging when it comes to asthma and hay fever," he said.

"We find that the increased amount of pollen in the air often triggers hay fever symptoms or asthmatic flare-ups in our community, and the presence of thunderstorms increases the risk of thunderstorm asthma."

Mr Nichol said people should speak to their doctor about treatments and ensure they have an updated Asthma Action Plan.

"Spring can be a particularly challenging time for those with respiratory issues, however with ongoing management we find that people can live relatively uninhibited," he said. "If you do have thunderstorm asthma, try to avoid being outside during thunderstorms - particularly the gusts of wind gusts that occur before the storm."