Last updated on 30/10/2023

 

With the arrival of peak pollen season, increased risk of Thunderstorm Asthma and predictions of a hot summer with potential for bushfires and poor air quality, Asthma Australia is urging people with asthma to prepare their asthma plans now to proactively manage their condition. A written Asthma Action Plan is prepared by a healthcare practitioner and is a guide to help people respond to increasing symptoms and manage a flare-up or asthma attack. Asthma Australia says that everyone with asthma, including adults, should have one.

People with hay fever or allergic rhinitis are also being urged to visit their doctor to discuss treatment options. Having hay fever worsens asthma control for many people with asthma. This can be
particularly problematic during high pollen seasons, where the threat of thunderstorms can lead to severe asthma attacks.

About 20 per cent of Australians have hay fever and approximately 80 per cent of people with asthma experience hay fever.

Bushfires and hazard-reduction burns may also create problems for people with asthma in the coming period. With a hotter than average weather forecast, this potentially leaves people with asthma
vulnerable to the effects of this common trigger.

Asthma Australia CEO Michele Goldman said, “With a triple whammy asthma season ahead, people with asthma who haven’t already prepared or updated their asthma plans should act as soon as
possible. It’s also important for people to control their asthma or hay fever symptoms with preventer medication.

Professor John Blakey, respiratory clinician and Medical Director of Asthma Australia said “Asthma is a serious condition and can escalate quickly if inadequately treated. Our message to people with asthma is to act now and consult with their healthcare practitioner to help manage their condition.” Asthma Australia’s website also has evidence-based health materials on asthma. These include
asthma action plan templates which are downloadable, and the Asthma Control Questionnaire. This helps adults rate their asthma symptoms and understand some of the steps they can take to manage their condition.

“As we face high fire danger this summer, people can use our free AirSmart app to check air quality. It helps people understand what their local air quality is like in real time so they can make decisions to protect their health,” CEO Michele Goldman said.

AirSmart is available to download on Apple and Andriod via airsmart.org.au.

For more information:
Contact Trinity Frederick, 0413 99 22 8