In this Issue November 2005

When Assoc Prof Tomlins joined the Board, the annual asthma toll was 481. At the last count, in 2003, it had dropped to 314. That’s clear evidence that the asthma management messages and strategies of the National Asthma Council and the other asthma stakeholders are hitting the mark.

The new Chairman of the National Asthma Council, Assoc Prof John Wilson, is a thoracic physician responsible for the treatment of patients with different lung disorders, including asthma, COPD, pneumonia and cystic fibrosis. His research interests include inflammation in asthma, new treatments in pneumonia and the application of stem cell technology to the understanding of asthma and lung diseases.

He was initially appointed to the National Asthma Council Board as the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand representative in 2000 and he is looking forward to representing the Council as its Chairman.

Dr Noela Whitby, General Practitioner from Queensland, has also been appointed to the Board, replacing Assoc Prof Tomlins as the RACGP’s representative.

Continuing Board members are Mr Peter Holder, community pharmacist from ACT, who is the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia representative and Assoc Prof Mimi Tang, Consultant Paediatric Allergist and Immunologist, representing the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.

National Asthma Council Website Launch

The new National Asthma Council Website launch will be launched on December 1. Watch this space!

Christmas Asthma Warning

It’s time to drag out the Chrissie decorations, put up the tree and get into the sprit of the festive season. But, the National Asthma Council is warning people with asthma to beware of the hidden asthma triggers lurking amongst all that Christmas merriment.

People with asthma can find themselves short of breath during the holiday season for a host of reasons, starting with the humble Christmas party itself.

Traditionally Australians celebrate outdoors at this time of the year making the most of our sunshine and great open spaces, but for people with asthma or other allergies, outdoor parties could be problematic this year.

The country is experiencing a particularly heavy grass season and extended growing period and that means extra pollen is in the air – a major trigger of asthma and hay fever that could potentially dampen the spirits of even the merriest reveller.

Back indoors, deck the halls by all means – but watch the dust!

Digging the Christmas decorations out from the back of the garage or under the bed and shaking out last year’s tinsel and lights will stir up 12 months of accumulated dust.

Soft decorations, such as felt stockings or soft toys, may attract the house dust mite, which is the most common allergen trigger for asthma in Australia.

Artificial Christmas trees are another trap.

Artificial trees accumulate dust and even mould – another common asthma trigger – depending on how they have been stored, particularly during the damp winter months.

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

Trigger Awareness

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 Pan that you have developed with your doctor. 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

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.

Trees

Artificial trees may be a major dust trap and can also accumulate mould. Both are asthma triggers that you don’t want in the house. Before assembling the tree wipe it down with a damp cloth or electrostatic duster.

Try purchasing a tree straight off the farm and give it a good spray down outside, letting it dry in the sun before bringing it indoors.

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 hurtles 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.

Useful Resources

Asthma and Allergy