By Alexander Brown, Asthma Programs Coordinator, Healthy Cities Illawarra
Did you know that 2.8 million people in Australia are living with asthma? It is one of our most common chronic diseases, with 1,005 emergency department presentations and 254 hospitalisations attributed to asthma in 2021-2022 in the Illawarra Shoalhaven alone.
The start of spring, September 1-7, is National Asthma Week. The warmer temperatures, bushfire smoke, and higher pollen counts that accompany the change of season can all lead to asthma flare-ups. About 80% of people with asthma also experience hay fever symptoms (allergic rhinitis), so getting on top of your hay fever is particularly important at this time of year.
If you have asthma, learning how to self-manage your condition is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Many people with asthma rely on short-acting reliever medications that are available over the counter from pharmacies. But using a long-acting preventer medication as prescribed can help to avoid potentially dangerous flare-ups.
Using inhaler devices correctly is essential to ensure asthma medications are effective. Unfortunately, evidence suggests that up to 94% of people with asthma do not use their inhaler devices correctly. The most common inhaler is a metered dose inhaler or ‘puffer’. For most people, it is essential to use a spacer with your puffer. It might seem like a hassle, but without a spacer most of the medicine will just end up deposited in the back of your mouth, instead of getting into the small airways in your lungs where it needs to go.
If you have asthma, it’s a great idea to visit your GP at least annually (or six-monthly for children) and ask them to review your Asthma Action Plan. Take your puffer and spacer or other device with you and ask the doctor or nurse to check your inhaler technique. Even if you have been managing your condition for a while, it never hurts to check in with your healthcare professional.
Asthma Australia’s free helpline is a great first step for people with questions about living with asthma. Call 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) to speak with an Asthma Educator or book a call through the Asthma Australia website.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) also offers a Community Asthma Service to assist people with asthma and their carers. The Community Asthma Service can help you to learn how to self-manage your condition, develop an Asthma Action Plan, and learn Asthma First Aid so you know what to do if a loved one with asthma experiences a life-threatening flare-up. Learning more about your own or your child’s asthma can help to prevent dangerous flare-ups and keep you out of hospital. Make an appointment with the Community Asthma Service by calling the ISLHD Access & Referral Centre on 1300 792 755.
With the right medication and support, most people with asthma can lead an active, healthy life. Act now to get your asthma back under control and put a spring in your step!
