Last updated on 18/09/2025

 

New guidelines put prevention and protection first, with stronger emphasis on treatments that reduce inflammation and prevent attacks 

New national asthma guidelines will give Australians more effective options to manage their asthma and stay healthy. The updated Australian Asthma Handbook recommends the use of anti-inflammatory relievers that not only provide fast relief but also help prevent flare-ups to help reduce the burden of asthma on families and the health system. 

The change comes in the Australian Asthma Handbook Version 3.0 (2025), released by the National Asthma Council Australia. The update reflects the strong evidence that while blue inhalers may be lifesaving in the moment, they do not address the airway inflammation that potentiates further attacks. By contrast, anti-inflammatory relievers work just as quickly to ease symptoms and, crucially, also treat the underlying inflammation, lowering the risk of serious flare-ups and hospitalisation. 

Asthma Australia Board Member and GP Dr Chris Pearce said the shift represents an important turning point in asthma care. 

“For decades, Australians have relied on their blue reliever inhaler to get them through an asthma attack. While these medicines are lifesaving, they don’t treat the underlying inflammation that makes asthma dangerous,” Dr Pearce said. 

“The new anti-inflammatory relievers work just as fast to relieve symptoms but also reduce airway inflammation at the same time. The goal is fewer flare-ups, fewer hospital visits, and more Australians able to live confidently with their asthma.” 

Asthma remains one of Australia’s most common and burdensome chronic conditions. One in nine Australians had asthma in 2022 – a total of nearly 2.8 million people. For approximately half, their asthma is poorly controlled at any given time. In 2022–2023, more than 31,000 people were hospitalised for asthma, approximately 97,000 presented to emergency departments, and in 2023, 474 deaths were attributed to asthma. More than 90% of these hospitalisations and most deaths are considered potentially preventable with optimal management. 

“With 474 deaths and more than 31,000 hospitalisations for asthma in a  year, these figures are shocking. Too many Australians are ending up in hospital, and even dying, when for most, asthma is a condition that can be well managed with the right treatment. 

“The new Handbook changes mark an important shift in asthma care, focusing on prevention and helping to turn the tide on numbers that are simply unacceptable,” Dr Pearce said. 

The new recommendations apply to adults and adolescents aged 12 and over. Other effective preventer options remain in place for children under 12.  

Asthma Australia will be working closely with health professionals, pharmacists and people with asthma to ensure the community is supported through the change. 

Call to action: 

  • For people with asthma: Speak to your GP to understand what the new treatment guidelines mean for you and how you can best manage your condition. 
  • For health professionals: Dr Pearce is urging doctors and pharmacists to familiarise themselves with the updated Australian Asthma Handbook. “This is a significant shift in asthma treatment. Please read and follow these new guidelines so together we can prevent flare-ups, reduce hospitalisations, and save lives.” 

ENDS 

For more information:
Contact Trinity Frederick, 0413 99 22 82 

ABOUT 

Asthma Australia is the nation’s peak body representing nearly 2.8 million Australians living with asthma. We’ve been here since 1962 and even though a lot has changed since then, asthma continues to claim a life each day and is the number one health condition burdening Aussie children. Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the airways, restricting airflow and can be fatal. There is no cure, but most people with asthma can experience good control.