The National Asthma Council's network of leading GPs, respiratory physicians, allergists, pharmacists, asthma educators and consumer advocates has built a rich store of collaborative resources. The wide range of information, brochures, papers, programs and other resources provides the latest information on asthma to health professionals, people with asthma and their carers.

Hardcopy editions are also available for selected resources and may be ordered directly from our Order Online area.

Asthma Management Handbook 2006

Asthma Management Handbook 2006

Edition 6 is the currently available edition reflecting the constant evolution of asthma management philosophy, techniques and knowledge including a paediatric asthma management section.

The Asthma Management Handbook, the first national guidelines document on asthma care to be published anywhere in the world, is updated every three years and is the accepted standard of best practice.

Asthma Action Plans

Asthma Action Plans and templates

Suitable for adults or children. An integral part of the Asthma Cycle of Care is the development of a written Asthma Action Plan.  

Spirometry Resources

Spirometry training course

The National Asthma Council Australia's national spirometry training course for GPs and practice nurses provides comprehensive training in the application, measurement and interpretation of expiratory spirometry in general practice.

 Spirometer Users' and Buyers' Guide

Debbie Burton,  David P. Johns and Maureen Swanney

The guide aims to give GPs and others performing lung function testing all the essentials on fundamental aspects of lung function testing and spirometer purchase.

Spirometry: The Measurement and Interpretation of Ventilatory Function in Clinical Practice.

Rob Pierce and David P. Johns

Written as a guide for those involved in the performance and interpretation of spirometry in clinical practice as introductory information. (Revised by David P. Johns July 2004 and March 2008.)

Performing Spirometry in General Practice

Online video with Associate Professor John Wilson and Mr Bruce Thompson from The Alfred Hospital presenting the role of spirometry in the general practice setting for the diagnosis and management of asthma.

ANZSRS/TSANZ Position Paper on Spirometry Training Courses

Position statement of the Australian & New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science & The Thoracic Society of Australia & New Zealand on spirometry training courses.

View position statement   www.anzsrs.org.au/spirotrainingposition.pdf  172 KB PDF file 

Asthma Information Papers

This information paper is intended to provide information on the clinical interrelationship between asthma and allergic rhinitis for GPs, asthma educators, practice nurses and pharmacists. 

This information paper outlines the current position of leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) in the treatment of children with asthma.

Roles of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations in subgroups with asthma, COPD, diabetes or heart disease

For health professionals: Vaccination of persons at risk of complications from influenza and pneumococcal disease is a key public health strategy for preventing associated morbidity and mortality.  

Combination Therapy - its role in asthma management

Experience with long-acting beta agonists (LABAs, or ‘symptom controllers') over the last 10 years indicates that these drugs are potent and effective bronchodilators, capable of improving asthma control in those with moderate to severe disease.  

Inhaled Corticosteroids: A Practical Perspective

The key goal of asthma management with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is to achieve optimal asthma control with the lowest effective dose. Regular review is important to enable proper assessment and maintenance of asthma control.  

Long-Acting Beta₂ Agonists 'Symptom Controllers'  

For practising clinicians to assist in appreciating the role of long-acting beta₂ agonists.  

Other Resources

Adherence to medication regimens and lifestyle advice can still be difficult for many patients, but will improve both the quality of life and the health outcomes.  

The Asthma Cycle of Care has evolved from a program developed by the National Asthma Council's General Practitioners' Asthma Group to assist GPs with planned asthma education and management within the normal consultation setting.

An investigation of the evidence supporting the recommendations in the Six Step Asthma Management Plan in the Australian Asthma Management Handbook, published by the National Asthma Council (NAC).  

Information on CFC- Free Metered Dose Inhalers and links to other formation and resources on CFC's and asthma medications including information sheets for patients.

Managing your Asthma chart

Peak flow chart

Professional Development

The National Asthma Council Australia‘s A-Team^TM - a group of trained asthma experts - regularly runs asthma education workshops across Australia for GPs, practice nurses, asthma educators and other health professionals.

Asthma issues in focus with GP Review

Explore asthma issues in depth with the National Asthma Council Australia's regular expert contributions to GP Review, a bimonthly magazine published by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 

Asthma Management Tools

Shortcuts to the top asthma management resource tools from the National Asthma Council Australia useful to GPs and Health Professionals. 

The National Asthma Council is the member organisation representing Australia.

National Asthma Council Programs with the Rural Health Education Foundation

Review the latest health information and undertake continuing professional education with programs including "Balancing the Benefits: Asthma and Combination Therapy Update", "Taking a Breather: Asthma Management for Indigenous Australians" and "Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis".

National Asthma Council Webcasts

The NAC webcast, 'Combination Therapy - A Question of Balance' was presented on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 7.30 to 8.30 pm AEST and is still available for viewing and CPD/CME/CPD&PI points until January 26, 2006.

Patient-Centred Health Care  

The concept of ‘person-centred' or ‘patient-centred' health care is increasingly acknowledged by health professionals as an important focus, particularly in the care of people with long-term conditions.

Content Updated 15 April, 2009