Start your asthma preventative measures now

BACK in the early 1960s, a struggle to breathe meant adrenalin shots, oxygen tents and lengthy hospital stays. At the time, the respiratory condition we now know as asthma was not officially recognised by the medical profession.

Fast forward 50 years and asthma is a prevalent chronic condition with a plethora of treatment options. With Asthma Week running from September 1-7, Asthma Australia has put together helpful and practical information, so you can breathe easy through spring.

In September, hospitalisations peak again after flu season, with sufferers struggling with a range of symptoms such as itchy/watery eyes, sniffily nose, interrupted sleep, sneezing, blocked nose, snoring and mouth breathing.

Fortunately, there is a lot that people can do to prepare for and manage asthma and hay fever this spring, such as:

  • The most important approach to preventing spring symptoms is to start using your inhaled asthma preventer machine now. These need to be used for around two or three weeks, even when you are feeling fine before the season commences so they are effective at preventing symptoms and reducing sensitivity to triggers like pollen.
  • Be aware of high-risk pollen days by checking and monitoring relevant websites and apps, such as AusPollen and AirRater. On high pollen days, close your windows and doors and, if you have an air conditioner, make sure it is turned to the ‘circulate’ function.
  • Every six to 12 months, visit your doctor to assess your current level of asthma control, check your inhaler technique and ensure your Asthma Action Plan is up-to-date.
  • If you are at risk of thunderstorm asthma, it’s best to take time to understand the Epidemic Thunderstorm asthma phenomenon and have a written action plan. Be aware of thunderstorm forecasts, especially on HIGH or EXTREME pollen count days and where possible, avoid going outside in pollen season during a storm.
  • Know about Asthma first aid by utilising the Asthma First Aid app, your go-to tool for an asthma emergency.

For more information, call 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462), visit the website at www.asthma.org.au/asthmaindisguise or speak to your doctor.