Asthma affects 2.7 million Australians.
On 3 May 2022, the Global Initiative for Asthma will hold World Asthma Day to raise awareness of asthma worldwide.
In support of this day, Asthma Australia is uncovering some asthma misconceptions:
- Asthma is a childhood disease; individuals will grow out of it as they age.
- Asthma is infectious.
- Asthma sufferers should not exercise.
The Truth is:
- Asthma can occur at any age (in children, adolescents, adults and elderly)
- Asthma is not infectious. However, viral respiratory infections (such as common cold and the flu) can cause asthma attacks. In children, asthma is frequently associated with allergy, but asthma which starts adulthood is less often allergic.
- When asthma is well controlled, asthma sufferers are able to exercise and even perform top sport.
Ways to manage your asthma include:
- Avoiding known triggers
- Always carrying your reliever medication (e.g., Ventolin)
- Using your preventer medication (e.g., Symbicort) regularly, even when feeling well.
- Stopping smoking (talk to your pharmacist or doctor about this)
- Using a spacer (with suitable inhalers), a device used to get more of the medication to your lungs, whilst reducing the incidence of side effects.
A sign that your asthma is not well controlled is using your reliever medication more than twice a week. Just as important, make sure to see your doctor to develop an Asthma Action Plan, which will help you when your asthma symptoms start to worsen.
Here at the Friendlies Guardian pharmacies, we have professional staff who will be more than happy to sit down with you and improve your understanding of your medication and how to use your asthma devices appropriately and effectively.
Happy Breathing.
