Asthma and Allergy

A guide for health professionals
The aim of this paper is to provide an up-to-date, evidence-based summary of allergy and asthma management issues including practical advice on allergen avoidance. A consumer brochure on this topic has also been developed. These documents have been produced by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing in collaboration with the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.
Contents
Asthma…Think allergy
Asthma and allergy facts
Atopy is a marker for asthma that persists beyond early childhood
Asthma triggers
Allergen triggers of asthma
Diagnosis History taking
Diagnosis Allergy tests
Management Medication
Management  Allergen avoidance I
Management  Allergen avoidance II
Management Immunotherapy
Preventing development of asthma
Levels of evidence
References

© Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing 2005

Disclaimer

The information contained in this brochure has been expert reviewed and represents the available published literature at the time of review. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner.

Further information

This brochure is based on published evidence and editing by medical specialists who are members of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. ASCIA is the peak professional body for clinical immunologists and allergists in Australia.

Representatives from the National Asthma Council, Asthma Foundations of Australia and Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing were involved in the editorial process.

Australasian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy	www.allergy.org.au
For reliable and up to date information on allergy and asthma visit the website which also includes the references for this brochure.
National Asthma Council	www.NationalAsthma.org.au
The National Asthma Council website contains information and publications on asthma and has links to other asthma sites
Asthma Foundations of Australia Patients can contact their local Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130 or visit their websites:
Asthma Foundations of Australia	www.asthmaaustralia.org.au
Asthma Foundation of New South Wales	www.asthmansw.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Northern Territory	www.asthmant.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Queensland	www.asthmaqld.org.au
Asthma Foundation of South Australia	www.asthmasa.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Tasmania	www.asthmatas.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Victoria	www.asthma.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Western Australia	www.asthmawa.org.au
Asthma	www.health.gov.au/pq/asthma
HealthInsite	www.healthinsite.gov.au
Healthy Homes	www.nphp.gov.au/enhealth/council/pubs/pdf/healthyhomes.pdf

This series on Asthma Topics for Health Professionals comprises eight separate titles:

1  Asthma and Allergy
2  Asthma and Lung Function Tests
3  Asthma and Pain Relievers
4  Asthma and Air Pollution
5  Asthma and Complementary Therapies
6  Asthma and Infant Bedding
7  Asthma and Diet in Early Childhood
8  Asthma and Wheezing in the First Years of Life

To access these documents log on to: www.NationalAsthma.org.au or the Department of Health and Ageing on 1800 500 053.