Murrumbidgee Local Health District director of public health Tracey Oakman has issued a thunderstorm asthma alert for the region.

Wagga-based respiratory physician Tara Makenzie said the combination of storms with high pollen counts and high counts of rye grass heightened the risk of asthma.

"The symptoms can start with the hayfever symptoms of the sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes," Associate Professor Mackenzie said.

"But more importantly the asthma symptoms are chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough or wheeze."

Residents who know they have asthma should carry their asthma puffer with them at all times and try to stay indoors with the windows and doors closed during the storm period.

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Residents should also be aware that thunderstorm asthma can also affect people who have not had asthma before.

Anyone with breathing difficulties should call 000 or go to their nearest hospital emergency department.

To receive an SMS alert when the pollen counts are high and thunderstorms are predicted, go to; https://science.csu.edu.au/asthma and register for alerts.