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World Asthma Day is May 6, 2008

“You Can Control your Asthma”

World Asthma Day has been held on the first Tuesday in May since 1998, when it was established by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA).

This year, World Asthma Day falls on Tuesday May 6 and Australia’s asthma advocates will be undertaking a wide range of initiatives on and around the Day, focusing on the theme: You Can Control your Asthma.

World Asthma Day May 6, 2008 Register

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World Asthma Day May 6, 2008

World Asthma Day is May 6, 2008

Got asthma? You need a plan!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008, is World Asthma Day and the National Asthma Council Australia is urging the two million plus Australians with asthma to prepare, or update, their asthma action plans.

According to National Asthma Council Australia chairman, Professor John Wilson, asthma prevalence in this country is relatively high but we can minimise its impact through greater awareness and understanding.

“The theme of World Asthma Day this year is ‘you can control your asthma’ and, the best way to control asthma is to have an up-to-date written asthma action plan,” Prof Wilson said.

These written instructions help people with asthma, as well as their family, carers and neighbours, recognise how to tell if asthma symptoms are getting worse, and what action to take.

“Research shows that written action plans keep people with asthma in control of their condition. They are better equipped to recognise deterioration of their symptoms and can respond appropriately,” Prof Wilson said.

Unfortunately, many Australians with asthma do not have a written asthma action plan, despite evidence that shows that asthma self-management programs that involve a written action plan have a greater reduction in hospitalisation than those that do not.¹

“People who have a written action plan have better controlled asthma, fewer asthma symptoms and fewer days off work or school because of asthma.

“In the same way that daylight savings signals the time to change your smoke alarm battery, World Asthma Day is the time to make a resolution to consult your GP and prepare a written plan, or if you already have a plan, make sure it is up-to-date,” Prof Wilson urged.

Poorly managed asthma can be fatal. According to the latest statistics, 402 Australians died from asthma in 2006.

“There is no cure for asthma, but asthma deaths are preventable - we just need to continue to take it seriously.”

Sample asthma action plans can be downloaded from the National Asthma Council Australia website: www.nationalasthma.org.au/html/management/action_plans/ap005.asp

Reference

1. Gibson, P. G., J. Coughlan, et al. (2000). "Self-management education and regular practitioner review for adults with asthma." (2): CD001117.

World Asthma Day is May 6, 2008

Popular spirometry handbook updated

One of the National Asthma Council Australia’s most referenced health professional resources – Spirometry: The Measurement and Interpretation of Ventilatory Function in Clinical Practice – has been revised and is now available for free download at

www.nationalasthma.org.au/html/management/spiro_book/index.asp

Only the gold standard, Asthma Management Handbook, is accessed more frequently than the Spirometry handbook, authored by Assoc Prof David Johns and Prof Rob Pierce and first published in 1995.

Now in its third edition, the Spirometry handbook has been completely updated to reflect new international standards and mirror the updated content that was published in the Asthma Management Handbook 2006.

According to author, Assoc Prof David Johns, respiratory scientist and Principle Research Fellow, Menzies Research Institute, the changes relate to the equipment used, patient procedures and updated reference values.

He said: “Spirometry is an important screening test to detect and quantify lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. It is also a valuable tool to monitor patient progress, but the repeatability of the test is critical to ensure truly comparative results.

“The changes to the new edition of the handbook focus on maximising the repeatability of the test through the optimum use of accurately calibrated equipment and appropriate patient-related procedures that encourage maximum patient effort.

“The aim is quality spirometry, every time.” Prof Johns stressed.

The spirometry reference values utilised in the handbook have also been updated, in line with the current edition of the Asthma Management Handbook, to provide the most recent data available and are clearly detailed in a series of tables.

The updated handbook, Spirometry: The Measurement and Interpretation of Ventilatory Function in Clinical Practice, has been written as an introductory guide for those involved in the performance and interpretation of spirometry in clinical practice.

It is pre-reading for health professionals participating in the National Asthma Council Australia’s new spirometry training course and will be a valuable refresher resource for health professionals who have already undertaken spirometry training.

Popular spirometry handbook updated

Click here for larger view

Asthma deaths table 1997-2006

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that the Australian asthma death toll jumped in 2006, with an additional 84 deaths being recorded compared to 2005 data.
 

The total number of deaths attributed to asthma in Australia in 2006 was 402.

The greatest increase in deaths occurred in the 70 plus age bracket, with 273 deaths recorded, compared with 191 in 2005.

This is an alarming trend that was identified by the National Asthma Council Australia in 2005 and one that it warns will only increase in line with our ageing population unless health professionals, carers and older people themselves take the threat seriously.

“The increasing rate of asthma deaths amongst our ageing population was recognised by Australian experts in 2005 and a conference was held to determine what steps needed to be done to minimise asthma mortality in this older group,” said Professor John Wilson, National Asthma Council Australia chairman.
More in full media release... Asthma Deaths Spike

As the leaves fall, the dust mite population in your bedroom could well be on the rise.

Research from Sydney’s Woolcock Institute of Medical Research shows that dust mite levels can increase 2-3 fold during late autumn, compared with summer levels.

According to National Asthma Council Australia director, Dr Janet Rimmer, a respiratory physician and allergist, that’s bad news for the vast numbers of Aussies with dust-mite triggered allergy or asthma.

She said: “Around 45 per cent of the population have an allergy and of those people, almost 80 per cent react to dust mites.

“Dust mites are the most common trigger for asthma in Australia and the bedroom is the site of the greatest exposure.”

House dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed off human skin scales.

They are mostly found in the home and live in soft furnishings such as beds, bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture, soft toys and clothing. More...

For full release open PDF above

Remote Indigenous Australian Asthma Action Plan Launched

A new asthma action plan specifically for Indigenous Australians has just been published on-line by the National Asthma Council Australia and is now available for free download at ‘Written Asthma Actions Plans’.

The plan was developed by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and is effectively Australia’s first official Remote Indigenous Australian Asthma Action Plan designed for national use.

Go to Asthma Action Plans for Indigenous Australians

The National Asthma Council Australia has launched Australia’s first national spirometry training course for GPs and practice nurses.

The six hour interactive course, which is open to individual Divisions of General Practice, was developed in consultation with the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science (ANZSRS) and the National Asthma Council’s GP Asthma Group.

It is designed to provide participants with comprehensive training in the application, measurement and interpretation of expiratory spirometry in general practice and provides hands on components to allow participants to apply their new knowledge in a practical setting.

Already more than 30 medical practitioners working with Australian Defence Force Recruiting have taken advantage of the new course in the wake of the Defence Force redefining its medical standards to allow for the inclusion of people with mild to intermittent asthma.

“General Practitioners implementing Defence’s asthma policy undertook the course to improve their ability to interpret the technical detail in spirometry reports and assess an individual's respiratory function,” said Chief Medical Officer Defence Force Recruiting, Dr Danielle Klar.

Dr Klar believes the course will have assisted them to recognise the impact and severity of lung diseases, such as asthma, on lung function and ensure that Defence candidates with a history of asthma are assessed accurately and efficiently.

“It provides an important update for all doctors who are likely to have received only limited formal training on spirometry since their initial university studies,” she said.

During 2008, the new spirometry training course will be rolled out nationally through individual Divisions of General Practice. Divisions can nominate to host a training course by submitting an application form to the National Asthma Council. Forms are available on-line:

Go to Spirometry training course

The National Asthma Council Australia’s spirometry training course is provided free of charge, thanks to funding by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Course participants may be eligible for continuing professional development (CPD) points.  

Media Releases 2007

Real or fake?

It’s a question that most families ponder as we hurtle towards Christmas, but the National Asthma Council Australia is warning the two million plus Aussies with asthma to make a careful choice, as both options could trigger asthma symptoms.

According to National Asthma Council Chief Executive Officer, Kristine Whorlow, pollens and dust are two of the most common asthma triggers and both could be lurking amongst the branches of your Chrissie tree, depending on which option you choose.

“Most people are unaware that some trees produce high amounts of pollen and pollen can trigger hay fever symptoms and asthma,” Kristine Whorlow said.

“Some of the biggest pollen producers include the Cypress family of trees and pine trees – the same trees that we use as the central focus of our Christmas celebrations, often bringing them into our living rooms for weeks on end.”

Judi Wicking, an experienced nurse and asthma educator, needs no convincing when it comes to pointing the finger at real Christmas trees as an asthma trigger.

As a child Judi’s family annually erected an artifical tree, but when Judi had a family of her own she opted for the real thing.

“For two or three years we had a real Christmas tree in the house and I found myself wheezing throughout the festivities. At first I didn’t make the connection, then I twigged – we got rid of the Christmas tree and I stopped wheezing.”

So for Judi’s family the answer to the annual Christmas tree dilemma is a fake tree – but some caution is needed here too, when it comes to minimising asthma triggers.

“Artificial trees can accumulate dust and even mould – another common asthma trigger – depending on how they have been stored, particularly over the damper winter months,” explained Kristine Whorlow.

To minimise the Christmas wheeze, the National Asthma Council recommends vacuuming artificial trees and decorations as you get them out of the box, unpacking them outside if possible and wiping down artificial trees before putting them up inside.

“If you have asthma it’s important to be aware of your asthma triggers and avoid them if possible. You should also continue to follow the personal written asthma action plan that you have developed with your doctor,” Kristine Whorlow advised.

“At this time of the year, make sure you have your medication with you and take it as advised by your doctor, even if you are out partying or away on holidays.”

Seasonal asthma triggers

Trees

Natural Christmas trees may harbour pollen and artificial trees can be a major dust trap and may also accumulate mould – all three can trigger asthma in susceptible people.

Outdoor Parties

The office break up in the park or Christmas Day under the Aussie sun could spell trouble for people this year. Recent rains and an extended grass growing season mean that there is still a lot of pollen floating around, particularly on windy days, which can trigger asthma and hay fever.

Decorations

Have the vacuum on hand when you unpack last year’s box of decorations. Ideally, unpack them outside and clean before use. If you are attached to your soft decorations, such as Christmas-themed soft toys or felt stockings, you can put them in the freezer overnight before use to kill dust mites. Prevent the build up of dust next year by sealing ornaments in plastic bags and storing them in airtight containers.

Scented Candles

Scented candles have become one of the most popular Christmas gifts and atmospheric decorations. Unfortunately, for some people with asthma, the perfume in scented candles may trigger symptoms.

Emotions

Christmas is a time of many emotions. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, but it can also be the season for added pressures and stress as the year races to a close and that Christmas deadline looms. Stress and anxiety can be a trigger for asthma as can other intense emotions such as yelling, crying and laughing.

More information

Asthma Information Brochures and Papers

Asthma Management Handbook 2006 - Identify and avoid trigger factors

The National Asthma Council Australia has teamed up with Dairy Australia to encourage people with asthma to dip into dairy this summer and bust the myth that dairy foods can trigger or exacerbate asthma.

“The fact is, dairy foods do not cause asthma,” said National Asthma Council Director, Dr Janet Rimmer, a respiratory physician and allergist from Sydney.

There is no medical evidence to connect the two – but despite this, some people with asthma cling to the old wives’ tale and may restrict or completely remove dairy foods from their diet.

“What tends to happen is that people confuse the coating that milk can leave on the back of the throat with mucus,” Dr Rimmer explained.

“Rather than seek medical advice and undergo appropriate allergy and challenge testing, we see many patients who have simply decided to avoid dairy foods, on the basis of this sensation and an ill-conceived myth.”

More in media release PDF version.

When it comes to asthma monitoring, the eye is the key; according to Associate Professor Helen Reddel, who has spent years researching and refining a new peak expiratory flow chart.

The new chart, which is now available for free from the National Asthma Council Australia and Woolcock Institute of Medical Research websites, has been designed to enable easy identification of changes in lung function and to overcome the confusion caused by the disparity of charts in circulation.

See Peak flow chart

More in media release PDF version.

The National Asthma Council Australia has welcomed the news that Australia’s last CFC asthma inhaler, Serevent Metered Dose Inhaler, will be discontinued from December 31, 2007.

According to the Council, which led the charge for the discontinuation of CFC containing inhalers, the phasing out of CFCs in asthma inhalers has been handled carefully and gradually to ensure that patients have ongoing access to their medications.

In the case of Serevent MDI, the green-coloured inhaler which is used to deliver symptom controller (or Long-Acting Beta-Agonist) medication, patients will still be able to use the same medication delivered via the green-coloured Accuhaler, which is CFC-free.

More in media release PDF version.

The first week of September is National Asthma Week and Australia’s peak asthma body, the National Asthma Council Australia is urging the 2 million plus Aussies with asthma to take the time this week to ensure they have a current written asthma action plan.

According to National Asthma Council Australia chairman, Professor John Wilson, asthma prevalence in this country is relatively high but we can minimise its impact through greater awareness and understanding.

“In the same way that daylight savings signals the time to change your smoke alarm battery, National Asthma Week is the time to make a resolution to consult your GP or pharmacist and prepare a written asthma action plan, or if you already have a plan, make sure it is up-to-date,” Prof Wilson urged.

More in media release PDF version.

See also Written Asthma Action Plans and Written Asthma Action Plan templates

The National Asthma Council Australia and The Asthma Foundations of Australia have welcomed today’s announcement by Australian Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, which paves the way for people with mild asthma to be accepted in the defence forces.

According to National Asthma Council Chairman, Professor John Wilson, well controlled asthma should not hinder a person’s career or lifestyle choices.

“This move by the Defence Forces acknowledges the many advances that we have made in asthma management, education and understanding over the past decade,” Prof Wilson said.

“The diagnosis and management of asthma has improved significantly and the revised entry standards are in line with the latest medical evidence.”

With the revision of the medical entry standards, people with intermittent or mild persistent asthma are now eligible to apply for the Australian Defence Forces.

Importantly, this group will be categorised as low risk.

More in media release PDF version.

The National Asthma Council Australia has updated its information paper: Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs): their therapeutic role in children with asthma, to reflect the most recent clinical evidence.

The paper, originally published in 2003, details the role of LTRAs, such as the PBS-listed montelukast (SINGULAIR), in the treatment of children aged two to 14 years with mild persistent asthma, intermittent asthma or exercise-induced asthma.

It has been prepared by a group of asthma specialists, including paediatric respiratory physicians, general practitioners and a pharmacist, and expands on the information contained in the recently updated Asthma Management Handbook (2006).

More in media release PDF version.

See Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs): their therapeutic role in children with asthma

A comprehensive on-line library of downloadable Written Asthma Action Plans has been launched by the National Asthma Council Australia.

The new library, located on the National Asthma Council Australia’s website (www.nationalasthma.org.au) provides quick access to a selection of the most reputable plans currently available in Australia today, as well as links to several international options.

All plans can be accessed directly from the website enabling health professionals to select the most appropriate plan for their patients and eliminating the need to stockpile hard copies.

More in media release PDF version.

See Written Asthma Action Plans and Written Asthma Action Plan templates

Australia’s peak asthma body, the National Asthma Council Australia, has heralded tomorrow’s introduction of tougher smoking laws in New South Wales and Victoria as a major health victory.

Effective from mid-night, both states will introduce a complete indoor smoking ban in all licensed premises, cutting the risk of passive smoking and limiting the appeal of smoking for others.

According to National Asthma Council Chairman, Prof John Wilson, the ban will benefit all patrons with asthma as well as bar staff who are virtually smoking half a packet of cigarettes in an eight hour shift, based on the amount of second- hand smoke they have to endure.

The detrimental impact of passive smoking has been extensively documented, with the US Environmental Protection Authority branding secondhand smoke a ‘Class A carcinogen’, responsible for thousands of deaths each year.

More in media release PDF version.

Practical ways to incorporate the principles of patient-centred health care into every day practice are the focus of a new discussion paper which has just been published on the National Asthma Council Australia’s website: www.nationalasthma.org.au.

The paper, Patient-centred health care in primary care: an overview, will be of particular interest to general practitioners, allied health professionals and community pharmacists.

It highlights the principles of patient-centred health care and provides practical examples of how primary care professionals can make a difference by enhancing their patient-centred focus. Each example is supported with real patient case studies.

The paper has relevance to all primary health care patients and is not restricted to asthma.

More in media release PDF version.

Go to Patient-centred health care in primary care: an overview

The National Asthma Council Australia has released an updated version of the popular ‘Managing Your Asthma’ wall chart, which is designed to help health professionals discuss asthma medications with patients.

The new wall chart features up-to-date colour photographs of 43 different asthma medications available in Australia today.

Each product is shown next to its current packaging for at-a-glance recognition and is grouped according to its classification. Relievers, non-steroidal preventers, corticosteroid preventers, symptom controllers and combination medications, as well as inhalers used in COPD, are all highlighted.

More in media release PDF version.

Go to chart - Managing Your Asthma

The National Asthma Council Australia is calling for better management of all asthma and bronchitis in the elderly, following this week’s release of the latest asthma death statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

In 2005, asthma killed 318 Australians – seven more than the number of deaths recorded in the previous year.

People aged 70 plus accounted for 191 of the deaths recorded, while those aged 40 to 60 years accounted for 95 deaths.

Death rates amongst younger groups remained relatively stable, indicating that the asthma management messages are hitting the mark with parents, teachers and carers.

In all, 210 females and 108 males died from asthma in 2005.

More in media release PDF version.

Charts Asthma deaths for 2005

Asthma deaths table 1997-2005

Dr Janet Rimmer, a respiratory physician and allergist from Sydney, has been appointed to the National Asthma Council Australia Board as the representative of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA).

Dr Rimmer replaces Assoc Prof Mimi Tang, who served as the Board’s ASCIA representative for six years, before stepping down in October 2006.

Dr Rimmer has held a long term interest in the area of both allergy and asthma since completing her Doctor of Medicine in the area in 1986.

Since that time she has undertaken extensive clinical work in the area of allergy and asthma, currently as a Visiting Medical Officer at several Sydney hospitals including Royal North Shore; St Vincent’s Private; Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, St Lukes; and, Wolper Jewish Hospital. She is also a Clinical Research Fellow at the Woolcock Institute (Sydney University).

More in media release PDF version.

As Australia’s sneezing season continues, the National Asthma Council Australia and the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy have released a new consumer information guide, Allergic rhinitis and Your Asthma – what you should know, specifically aimed at helping people with asthma and allergic rhinitis breathe easier.

Hay fever is the most obvious and easily recognised type of allergic rhinitis and it is particularly prevalent during spring and right through the warmer months.

According to Associate Professor Mimi Tang, chairperson of the expert working group responsible for writing the new guide, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis is increasing, with figures from an International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC), showing that rates of allergic rhinitis in Australia have continued to rise in the past decade.

There is a strong link between asthma and allergic rhinitis. More...

Allergic rhinitis and Your Asthma – what you should know.

As Aussie kids get set to head back to the classroom, the National Asthma Council Australia is warning parents, teachers and health professionals to prepare for a corresponding spike in asthma emergencies.

According to National Asthma Council spokesperson, Professor Peter van Asperen from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the ‘February Epidemic’ is a well documented phenomenon that will hit in a couple of weeks. More...

See also

First Aid for Asthma

Written Asthma Action Plans