CAN YOU CONTROL YOUR ASTHMA! Did you know there are approx. 14,300 avoidable hospitalisations arising from asthma every year, not to mention the urgent visits to Accident and Emergency Departments and GPs. People are hospitalised each week from asthma. In most cases asthma exacerbations are worse than they should be. With correct medication, knowing triggers for asthma and advice from the doctor, asthma can be controlled. Asthma triggers * Colds and flu * Cigarette smoke * Exposure to cigarette smoke (passive smoking) * Exercise/activity * Inhaled allergens (e.g. pollens, moulds, animal dander and dust mites) * Environmental factors (e.g. dust, pollution, wood smoke and bush fires) * Changes in temperature and weather * Certain medications (e.g. aspirin) * Chemicals and strong smells (e.g. perfumes, cleaners) * Emotional factors (e.g. laughter, stress) * Some foods and food preservatives, flavourings and colourings (uncommon). Every person's asthma is different. Not all people will have the same triggers, nor will they react to every trigger listed above. You may not always know what triggers your child's asthma. It is helpful to identify triggers in order to avoid them however this is not always possible (e.g. colds and flu). Your doctor or local Asthma Foundation will assist you. Visit the Asthma Foundation NSW website and register for your free information pack now and be one step closer to controlling your child's asthma! T: 1800 645 13O E: ask@.asthmansw.org.au W: www.asthmansw.org.au |
MANAGING YOUR CHILD'S ASTHMA
Six steps to managing your child’s asthma. Ask your doctor to assist you to in managing your child’s asthma according to the six-point plan below. 1. Know how severe your child’s asthma is (ask your doctor). 2. Achieve best lung function - find out what to do, so that your child’s lungs function at their best. The use of a peak flow meter or symptom score diary may help in determining the best lung function. 3. Maintain best lung function - avoid things, which trigger your child’s asthma. 4. Optimise medication - use the lowest dose of medication possible to achieve the best lung function, without producing side effects. 5. Develop an asthma action plan with your doctor so that you know what to do during an attack of asthma. 6. Have your child’s asthma checked regularly by your doctor, and learn as much as you can about the management of your child’s asthma. Asthma Cycle of Care If your child has: • symptoms on most days or nights • uses an asthma reliever puffer more than 3 times per week • has been in hospital with an asthma attack • missed school due to asthma then see your GP to enrol in the Asthma Cycle of Care and get an Asthma Action Plan to help you take control of your asthma. T: 1800 645 130 E: ask@asthmansw.org.au W: www.asthmansw.org.au |
IMPORTANT ASTHMA INFORMATION FOR
TEENAGERS
Whilst parents and family are their to help, teenagers should be aware that they too can successfully and responsibly manage their own asthma. Tips to help teenagers manage their asthma include:- 1. Remind them to always carry a blue reliever puffer with them and use when asthma symptoms occur. 2. To educate their family and friends about their asthma, and how to deal with an emergency. 3. Reminding them that having asthma doesn’t make them different from others and encourage them to participate in sport and social events. 4. Understanding what triggers their asthma and avoid exposure where possible. 5. To avoid smoking and smoky areas. 6. To use their reliever medication before exercise, this includes dancing, according to their doctors recommendations. 7. To work with their doctor to formulate a written Asthma Action Plan and have it reviewed every six months or more often if they have a severe attack. 8. Include them in all discussions and the decision- making process about the management and monitoring of their asthma. 9. Many teenagers rely on their reliever medication rather than continuing to take preventer medications. Remind them that this can be dangerous and that preventer medications, if prescribed, are important as they help stop the inflammation inside the airways. 10. If they are reluctant to take their medications, encourage them to monitor their asthma with a peak flow meter and to adjust their medications according to their Asthma Action Plan. T: 1800 645 130 E: ask@asthmansw.org.au W: www.asthmansw.org.au |