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Asthma and allergy
Spring Asthma Wellbeing Checklist
Useful Resources
Asthma and Allergy
For those people who suffer from asthma and allergy, it is a time to be aware of allergen exposure. Allergens are common asthma triggers, and where appropriate, you may benefit from simple avoidance strategies that you can practise every day.
Advice on effective strategies is an essential part of managing allergic asthma.
Indoors |
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if you are allergic to dust mite, you should consider ways to reduce house dust mite in your home.
Make sure you encase mattresses and pillows in mite-proof covers. Your pharmacist can advise on this.
Remove soft furry toys and soft furnishings, if possible. Soft toys can be placed in the freezer overnight to kill dust mites.
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Wash your bedclothes weekly in hot water (over 55°). Shake and air pillows and quilts in the sun weekly.
(Except for days with high pollen counts as pollen may adhere to material.)
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When you are cleaning, wear a mask and dust with a damp or electrostatic cloth. |
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Rather than vacuuming, use a wet or electrostatic mop or consider installing a ducted or well-filtered vacuum-cleaning system. |
Outdoors |
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People with asthma are commonly allergic to airborne pollen grains from grasses, trees and weeds. For the keen gardener, imported grasses, weeds and trees that are wind pollinated may cause airborne allergens. |
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Airborne allergens tend to worsen asthma symptoms during the pollen seasons, including Spring, Summer and the dry season in tropical regions, and following thunderstorms. |
| Note: Australian native plants are less likely to cause allergies, as are highly flowered plants because they produce less pollen (transported by bees) than wind-pollinated plants. Also remember that pollens can travel many kilometres from their source. |
Avoiding Pollens |
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Some tips for avoiding pollens,
particularly when the pollen count is high,
are as follows:
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remain indoors as much as possible before midday during the pollen season, on windy days and after thunderstorms;
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avoid activities known to cause allergen exposure, such as grass-mowing, taking picnics in parks;
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wash hands and face frequently and/or shower after outdoor activities; and
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remove known allergens from areas close to the house, such as outside windows.
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Pollen counts are often provided in various electronic and print media during Spring and Summer. |
Spring Activities
So while you are compiling the house and garden Spring cleaning checklist you should also put some thought into your own asthma wellbeing checklist.
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At Home
- Clean the curtains and blinds*
- Steam clean the carpet*
- Discard old clothes
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In the Garden
- Clean out the garage*
- Paint the outdoor furniture*
- Dry mulch the garden*
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| *Don't forget to use a protective mask, clothing and gloves as appropriate. |
Spring Asthma Wellbeing Checklist
If you answer yes to all the questions below, fantastic! You are probably very well prepared for Spring. If you answer no to any question, now is the time to take action and make an appointment with your GP.
- Do I have a Written Asthma Action Plan?
- Is my Written Asthma Action Plan up-to-date and easy to find?
- Are all my asthma medications up-to-date?
- Reliever medication (bronchodilators)
- Preventer medication (anti-inflammatory agents)
- Symptom controllers (long-acting relievers)
- Combination medications (preventer plus symptom controller)
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Asthma Action Plans
Asthma Action Plan templates
There are many different written asthma action plans available. The asthma action plan chosen should be appropriate for the person’s age, educational status, language and culture.
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Useful Resources
Allergic rhinitis and the patient with Asthma
Allergic rhinitis and your asthma: What you should know
Asthma and Allergy: What you need to know
Asthma and Allergy Information Paper
Asthma Action Plans
First Aid for Asthma
Asthma and allergy - Asthma Management Handbook 2006
For more information or support, contact your local Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130.
Asthma Foundations of Australia
Asthma Foundation of the ACT
Asthma Foundation of New South Wales
Asthma Foundation of Northern Territory
Asthma Foundation of Queensland
Asthma Foundation of South Australia
Asthma Foundation of Tasmania
Asthma Foundation of Victoria
Asthma Foundation of Western Australia
For more information on allergies go to
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
Content Updated 31 August, 2007
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