World Asthma Day is an annual event held on the first Tuesday of May every year. The day is organised to raise awareness about asthma and how to best manage the condition, which affects approximately 2.7 million Australians (11% of the total population)1.
Self-care is key when it comes to longevity, health, and wellness. When it comes to your asthma, we are not talking about self-care as in face masks and painted toes, we are talking about taking care of yourself and taking control of your asthma to live a full and healthy life.
Asthma is very manageable to live with and with good management it should not bother your daily activity. However, if not well controlled, asthma can be severe and unpredictable. Taking care of yourself should be your highest priority when it comes to managing your asthma to control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks2.
What triggers should people with asthma avoid?
Asthma triggers can vary for each person with factors dependant on their environment, seasonal weather, occupation and various lifestyle factors. These triggers are more problematic for people with poorly controlled asthma, which is why it is most important to have an Asthma Action Plan in place.3
It is a given that asthma sufferers should avoid cigarette smoking and stay clear of second-hand smoking. Smoking can lead to worsened asthma symptoms and increased asthma attacks. This applies to many inhaled substances and therefore e-cigarettes and vaping devices may also flare-up your asthma symptoms.
There are some triggers which may be harder to avoid or prevent, like catching a cold virus, poor air quality or weather changes such as thunderstorm and spring pollen. Whilst it is best practice to be proactive with these factors, with good hygiene to avoid illness or staying indoors when a thunderstorm is forecasted, ensuring you have a blue/grey reliever medication and regularly using your preventer medicine will best help you manage your asthma if exposed or if reacting to a trigger.3
You might like to keep a diary or note down any triggers you may discover in your asthma management journey. These triggers may range from chemical or specific fragrances, food allergies, stress, animals, and other unique factors that might cause a flare-up unexpectedly. Always discuss any new triggers with your health practitioner regularly in case your management plan requires an update.
How do you relieve asthma symptoms quickly?
Always refer to your Asthma Action Plan directed by your doctor; you should keep this in a visible place for other members in your house to refer to in the case of an emergency. This management plan is written by your doctor which provides step-by-step instructions what you should do to relieve and control your asthma based on the severity of your symptoms you are experiencing.4
Your blue/grey reliever inhaler is used for fast-acting relief to quickly open your airways and make breathing easier. Make sure you are following the directions on the number of puff/inhalations prescribed on your asthma plan.
As the name suggests, a “preventer” medication or inhaler will help prevent and reduce your asthma symptoms and is essential to gain optimal control of your asthma. Your doctor may prescribe an appropriate preventer medication with a dose tailored for your condition.
Sometimes even when you use your asthma medication as prescribed, you still may experience asthma symptoms. Many people who have been using asthma medication for a long time can become “lazy” with their inhaler technique, which commonly impacts the effectiveness of your medication. You can speak to your pharmacist first, who can review your inhaler technique to make sure you are using your inhaler device effectively. Your pharmacist can also help you identify any other factors causing your flare ups and reassure if a check-up with your doctor is necessary.
What are 3 ways to better manage asthma?
- Always carry your reliever medication, including a spacer (if applicable) that will help make the medication more effective when needed. Keep spare reliever inhalers in your work/travel bag.
- Know your triggers – seasonal changes, cough or colds, heat or cold exposure, exercise, and common night-time triggers such as sleeping with the fan or air conditioning on.
- Follow your Asthma Action Plan every day including your preventer medication, even when you feel your asthma symptoms are well controlled. Have your Asthma Action Plan reviewed and updated at least once every year to stay on top of your asthma.4
If you have any queries about asthma and managing asthma for yourself or your loved ones, come speak with a pharmacist at your nearest WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods. Our pharmacists can help answer any questions regarding appropriate medication use and other management advice to help control asthma.
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2020-21, Asthma, ABS, viewed 13 April 2023, <https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/asthma/latest-release>.
2. Asthma Australia, 2021, About Asthma, Asthma Australia website, viewed 13 April 2023, <https://asthma.org.au/about-asthma/>.
3. Asthma Australia, 2021, Triggers, Asthma Australia website, viewed 13 April 2023, <https://asthma.org.au/about-asthma/triggers/>.
4. Asthma Australia, 2021, Asthma Action Plan, Asthma Australia website, viewed 13 April 2023, <https://asthma.org.au/treatment-diagnosis/asthma-action-plan/>.
