World Asthma Day (WAD) takes place each year on the first Tuesday in May.

Initiated by the Global Initiative for Asthma in 1998, the National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) embraces WAD and marks the occasion to highlight the need for ongoing care and vigilance in managing asthma.

The theme for 2009 continues the focus that “You can control your asthma”.  

The NAC urges at this time each year that you prepare, or update, your written asthma action plan, an important tool for controlling your asthma. Research shows that people with asthma action plans have a greater reduction in hospitalisation than those that do not.¹ In addition to better controlled asthma, people have fewer asthma symptoms and fewer days off work or school because of asthma.

Poorly managed asthma can be fatal. According to statistics released last month, 385 Australians died from asthma in 2007.

This World Asthma Day make a commitment to keep your asthma under control with an up to date asthma action plan and annual review with your doctor.

Reference

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

Useful Resources

Written Asthma Action Plans
First Aid for Asthma
Asthma Mortality Statistics

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 

Previous World Asthma Day Themes

World Asthma Day 2008 - 'You can control your asthma'
World Asthma Day 2007 - ‘Plan to Stay Symptom Free’
World Asthma Day 2006 - the unmet needs of asthma
World Asthma Day 2005 - Asthma – in case of emergency...
World Asthma Day 2004 - Australia leads the way toward better asthma management

Content Updated 29 April, 2009