Last updated on 16/11/2021

 

Good asthma management is more than reaching for your puffer – it starts with prevention.   

Poorly controlled asthma can lead to an inability to lead your best life. Sometimes your asthma symptoms can creep up on you over time, what starts as a bit of an unnoticeable wheeze gets worse. Soon, asthma is impacting everything from your sleep to your work or ability to do things you enjoy.   

Left unchecked, it could even send you to the hospital. Uncontrolled asthma can increase your risk of a serious asthma attack. Luckily, we can avoid so many of these issues by asking for help earlier. If it feels like your asthma is controlling your life, then it’s time to Talk Asthma with your doctor. It’s time to start feeling healthy and in control again. 

With the right help, most people with asthma can achieve good asthma control. If you can’t answer yes to these four statements – there is probably room for improvement in your asthma control. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You have symptoms less than two days per week

If your asthma is not under control, you may notice your symptoms on a regular basis, like coughing, breathlessness, tightness of chest and wheezing. You may even be experiencing asthma symptoms multiple times a day. The frequency of asthma symptoms should be discussed with your doctor.

You need your blue/grey reliever no more than two days a week, or not at all

Using your reliever puffer too often could be a sign of poor asthma control.  If you only use a reliever to treat your asthma, you are only treating the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about using a preventer to treat the cause of your asthma. This doesn’t include using your reliever before exercise. Find out more about asthma medications.

Your activities aren’t limited by your asthma 

We all want to be able to make it up a flight of stairs or play with our kids without having to catch our breath. The right treatment can help you stay in control of life and to enjoy your day-to-day activities again.  

You don’t get any symptoms at night or when you wake up

A good night’s sleep is an important part of living your healthy, normal life. Uncontrolled asthma can lead to flare-ups which keep you up at night. The right asthma treatment should help you wake up feeling rested not breathless.

 

How do I get the help I need? 

People experience uncontrolled asthma for a variety of reasons.  It could anything from forgetting to book in your regular doctor appointment, to not even knowing you have asthma.  Simply asking yourself “am I happy with my breathing?” might help you decide if it’s time to see your doctor.  

This appointment is called an Asthma Review. It is your chance for you to talk to your doctor about what you wish was better about your asthma. You can ask for a review at any time, however, adults are recommended to have one at minimum every 12 months and every 6 months for children. We’ve developed a resource to help you have a better appointment – the Asthma Review Worksheet.  

You can call our Asthma Educators on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) for information about managing your or your child’s asthma. We are available Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm.