1800 278 462
With the bushfire season officially starting, Asthma Australia is here to help people with asthma triggered by bushfire smoke to stay safe.
Bushfire smoke can trigger asthma symptoms and flare-ups. Preparing early can help you stay safer during bushfire season. Here are five ways to get asthma ready.
1. GET ASTHMA UNDER CONTROL
We know anyone can be impacted by poor air quality, however, if smoke is a known trigger for you or a loved one, it is important to have your asthma treatment optimised, especially if you you live near an area where hazard reduction burns are planned.
If you have been prescribed an anti-inflammatory asthma medicine, use it as directed. Keeping asthma well controlled may help reduce the risk of asthma symptoms and flare-ups when air quality is poor.
The risk of an asthma flare-up after exposure to smoke may be reduced by maintaining good asthma control. Find out more about your current asthma control by taking the Asthma Control Questionnaire.Talk to your doctor about making sure your asthma treatment is up to date with the latest guidelines before a bushfire event occurs.
You should also ask your GP to work with you to develop your personalised Asthma Action Plan with clear instructions on what to do in case of exposure to smoke or worsening asthma. Seek emergency medical help if symptoms are severe.
Book a call with an Asthma Educator
2. GET INFORMATION
Bushfire season can affect air quality and make breathing more difficult for some people. Being prepared can help you stay informed and take action early.
- Download an air quality monitoring app and/or bookmark your state government’s Air Quality Index webpage so you can check it quickly during bushfire season.
- Take a few minutes to learn how the app or website works and identify the air quality level at which you should take action.
- Pay particular attention to the PM2.5 readings, which measure very small particles in the air that can affect breathing.
- People with asthma may notice symptoms before air quality is rated as “Poor”. Monitor PM2.5 levels and follow the advice provided by your local air quality service and your Asthma Action Plan.
3. GET EQUIPPED
Ahead of the bushfire season, it is important to equip your home, your family, and yourself.
- Ensure you have a 30-day medicine supply
- P2 or N95 masks may help reduce the amount of smoke particles you breathe in when fitted correctly. They may not be suitable for everyone. Fabric coverings/surgical masks used for COVID-19 are not suitable for filtering smoke particles. P2 or N95 masks shouldn’t be relied on for extended periods of time and you will still need to take other precautions. If you need to wear one for an extended period, you may need to replace the mask as the filter can get blocked
- Some people choose to use an air purifier to help reduce fine particles indoors during poor air quality events. If you are considering one, research the options carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Check the windows and doors at home for gaps where air can leak in. Tape these gaps or repair them before a poor air-quality event
- Cover or close any indoor vents
4. GET TALKING
Ahead of a poor air quality event, it’s important that others are aware of how to keep you safe. Get talking with employers, schools and think ahead to transport options so you can manage day-to-day activities like school and work without worry or guilt.
- Speak to your employer about your asthma and poor air quality, and how they can support you. This could mean flexibility to work from home or perhaps alternate duties, should a poor air quality event prevent you from working outside or commuting
- For parents, make teachers aware of your child’s asthma and have a plan in place for poor air quality days to avoid exposure, including exercise. Talk to school principals about their air quality policies and plans
- Identify public buildings which may have better air filtering than your home if you need to seek a safe refuge. This could be a library or shopping centre
- Plan your transport. If you don’t have a car and need to travel to the shops or other places like work during poor air quality, what will you do? Make a plan that works for you ahead of time
5. GET SUPPORT
Reaching out for support can help you feel more prepared and confident during bushfire season.
Identify your support networks and nominate someone as a key contact. This should be someone who you can go to if you need support during this time. It could be for emotional support, other help to enable you to stay indoors, or for an alternative place to stay.
If you need further support or are feeling uneasy about heading into the bushfire season, you can speak to an Asthma Educator on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462).
