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Christmas Tree Asthma Risk

Real or fake?

It’s a question that most families ponder as we hurtle towards Christmas, but the National Asthma Council Australia is warning the two million plus Aussies with asthma to make a careful choice, as both options could trigger asthma symptoms.

According to National Asthma Council Australia Chief Executive Officer, Kristine Whorlow, pollens and dust are two of the most common asthma triggers and both could be lurking amongst the branches of your Chrissie tree, depending on which option you choose.

“Most people are unaware that some trees produce high amounts of pollen and pollen can trigger hay fever symptoms and asthma,” Kristine Whorlow said.

“Some of the biggest pollen producers include the Cypress family of trees and pine trees – the same trees that we use as the central focus of our Christmas celebrations, often bringing them into our living rooms for weeks on end.”

Judi Wicking, an experienced nurse and asthma educator, needs no convincing when it comes to pointing the finger at real Christmas trees as an asthma trigger.

As a child Judi’s family annually erected an artificial tree, but when Judi had a family of her own she opted for the real thing.

“For two or three years we had a real Christmas tree in the house and I found myself wheezing throughout the festivities. At first I didn’t make the connection, then I twigged – we got rid of the Christmas tree and I stopped wheezing.”

So for Judi’s family the answer to the annual Christmas tree dilemma is a fake tree – but some caution is needed here too, when it comes to minimising asthma triggers.

“Artificial trees can accumulate dust and even mould – another common asthma trigger – depending on how they have been stored, particularly over the damper winter months,” explained Kristine Whorlow.

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

“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 plan that you have developed with your doctor,” Kristine Whorlow advised.

“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

Trees

Natural Christmas trees may harbour pollen and artificial trees can be a major dust trap and may also accumulate mould – all three can trigger asthma in susceptible people.

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.

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 races 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.

Christmas Tree Asthma Risk

Support Photograph

A support photograph for this release featuring a Christmas tree decorated with tinsel, baubles and asthma inhalers can be downloaded from: http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/html/about/ab011_m_info.asp 

For further information, or to arrange an interview with a National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson, please contact:

Kelly Ward, Ward Communications Pty Ltd
T. 03 9744 1855; M. 0407 860 834;
E. kward@wardcom.com.au

Inhaler Technique a Major Concern

• Around 6 million Australians suffer from chronic respiratory diseases.

• Estimates indicate that up to 90% of these patients do not use their medication inhalers correctly.

• This is a major concern amongst older Australians, who are most at risk of dying from conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma.

• A new national campaign: “Prevent Puffer Problems”, was launched today by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Alan Griffin, to help improve older Australians’ inhaler technique

Around six million Australians suffer from respiratory diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and asthma.

Most of these people rely on preventer and reliever medications delivered via an inhaler to manage their conditions, but the experts believe that the vast majority are not using their inhalers properly.

In fact, estimates indicate that up to 90 per cent of patients are misusing their inhalers resulting in poor medication delivery, which in turn can lead to reduced quality of life, more frequent and longer hospital stays and even an increased dependence on their medication.

Whilst inhaler misuse appears to be rife across all age groups, it is such a concern amongst veterans and other older people that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs has collaborated with Australia’s leading respiratory health organisations, The Australian Lung Foundation and the National Asthma Council Australia, as well as the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Australian General Practice Network to create a new community education campaign to get people puffing properly.

The aptly titled: “Prevent Puffer Problems” campaign features a range of easy to understand resources designed to improve inhaler use including self-care cards, which will be available in pharmacies, and a new inhaler technique demonstration video that will be freely available via the National Asthma Council Australia’s website: www.NationalAsthma.org.au 

All six main types of asthma and COPD inhalers currently on the market in Australia are highlighted in the video which shows National Asthma Council Australia asthma educator, Judi Wicking, providing patients with step-by-step usage instructions. The video also includes captions to ensure viewers who may be hard of hearing get the right message.

According to Judi Wicking, anyone who uses an inhaler would benefit from reviewing how they use it to ensure they are really getting maximum impact from their medication.

“The fact is most people who use an inhaler aren’t doing it properly. They may never have been shown the correct technique in the first place or they may not have regular usage reviews with their GP or pharmacist, which means poor technique becomes a bad habit,” she said.

Veterans and other older people are particularly prone to problems with inhaler use due to lack of dexterity and sometimes a limited understanding of the manufacturer’s instructions.

“For these people being able to watch another person demonstrating the right way to use the same inhaler that they have been prescribed will be invaluable and the video can be viewed on demand as often as required,” Judi said.

She advises anyone who uses an inhaler to ask their GP or pharmacist to physically show them how to use it and recommends regularly asking a health professional to double check technique to ensure no bad habits have crept in.

Common problems include not shaking a puffer between each dose; not holding a Turbuhaler or Accuhaler at the right angle when loading a dose; and, putting multiple doses into a spacer, rather than inhaling each individual dose one at a time.

The “Prevent Puffer Problems” campaign was launched today by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Alan Griffin at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital.

The campaign also includes an educational component for pharmacists and GPs to help them brush up on their inhaler technique and equip them with up to date information to ensure their patients are puffing properly.

Inhaler Technique a Major Concern

Resources

Inhaler technique in adults with asthma or COPD: Information paper for health professionals

Using your inhaler

Emergency Care Access Critical for Asthma Survival

As the Melbourne coroner investigates the death of an 11 year old boy following an asthma attack on April 15, the National Asthma Council Australia has stressed the importance of timely and assured access to emergency care and having an up-to-date written asthma action plan.

“The death of a child from asthma is unacceptable,” Prof Wilson said.

“If asthma symptoms become really severe, prompt emergency care, such as that provided by an ambulance, followed by treatment in the Emergency Department, will save lives,” he said.

“We need to have good policy in place to support emergency services infrastructure, coupled with good planning and good medications to help people with asthma manage and control their symptoms. We know that the ambulance services and Emergency Departments nationally are committed to providing the best possible response.”

Over two million Australians have asthma – one of the highest rates in the world.

According to the National Asthma Council Australia, asthma deaths in Australia have dropped from a peak of around 1,000 a year to 402 in 2006 – a statistic that Prof Wilson says is still not low enough.

“There has been a dramatic reduction in deaths but we are now at the point where we are having trouble breaking through the glass ceiling. If we are going to reduce the asthma death rate further, we need to continue to take asthma very seriously at all levels from policy makers down,” Prof Wilson urged.

“The important message for all people with asthma is to be prepared,” he advised.

“Make sure your written asthma action plan is up to date, make sure you have rescue medication available and make sure you can access emergency care with minimal delay.”

Emergency Care Access Critical for Asthma Survival

Resources

First Aid for Asthma

Written Asthma Action Plans 

Peak pollen season is now!

Hay fever sufferers and people with asthma; beware – peak pollen season is now until late November, according to the latest asthma alert issued by the National Asthma Council Australia.

“There is so much hype at the start of spring about pollen-triggered asthma and allergy that many people don’t realise that the real danger period is actually late spring and sometimes even early summer,” warned Professor John Wilson, National Asthma Council Australia chairman.

“These are the four to six weeks of the year when plant-based and pollen-related asthma is at its peak,” Prof Wilson explained. “Then as summer progresses, pollen distribution tends to fall off and prevailing winds make pollen less of an issue.”

For people with asthma, major thunderstorms at this time of the year can also compound the problem, triggering sudden and severe asthma attacks and an increase in hospital admissions.

“The combination of plenty of pollen in the atmosphere and heavily laden rain clouds, characteristic of thunderstorms, is hazardous,” Prof Wilson said.

“When precipitation occurs, the pollen grains become wet and expand and then burst into smaller particles which can be breathed deep into the lungs, triggering asthma.

“Consequently, thunderstorms increase the allergen load caused by plant species such as rye grass, Bermuda grass and birch and a range of others, exacerbating asthma symptoms.”

To minimise the impact of seasonal asthma and allergy, the National Asthma Council Australia encourages people with known allergies to continue to take their preventative medications to reduce hay fever, rhinitis and asthma, as well as their symptom reliever.

“People with asthma must have an up-to-date written asthma action plan, detailing what to do when symptoms worsen and it is important to avoid exposure to triggers,” Prof Wilson stressed.

“For many, at this time of the year, it’s better indoors than out.”

Further information on asthma triggers and asthma management advice is available from the National Asthma Council Australia’s website: www.NationalAsthma.org.au

Peak Pollen Season is Now!

Rare Books Benefit Common Disease

Rare books and asthma may be unlikely bedfellows, but this month asthma education is set to benefit when the 35th Australian Antiquarian Book Fair comes to Malvern Town Hall.

For three days only (Oct 24 to 26) the historic town hall will be transformed into an old world library-cum-bookstore as leading Australian and international booksellers share their wares – and knowledge - with members of the public.

Gathered together will be all things collectable – from first editions and fine bindings to vintage comics and cricket fiction. In fact, there are even collectable books about book collecting!

“You can collect almost anything,” explained Book Fair coordinator and Melbourne antiquarian bookseller, Kay Craddock.

“Books are absolutely fascinating and you never know when you will stumble upon the next prize find. Book collections can grow in value and book collecting is a great hobby,” she said. “Rare books also make an inspired gift and, at the end of the day, they really do furnish a room.”

Day tickets to the Australian Antiquarian Book Fair, presented by the Australian and New Zealand Association of Antiquarian Booksellers, are just $10 ($8 concession) or a three day ticket is available for serious book hunters for $17 ($12 concession). Ticket sales will benefit the National Asthma Council Australia.

 “This year, the Book Fair is paying tribute to Margaret Woodhouse, a founding member of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Antiquarian Booksellers who died from an asthma attack in 1990,” Kay Craddock explained. “Margaret was a wonderful bookseller and a mainstay of the Association in its early days.”

According to National Asthma Council Australia Chief Executive Officer, Kristine Whorlow – who is coincidentally a collector of children’s books – asthma deaths have thankfully decreased in Australia since Margaret’s death in 1990, but asthma does still kill. In 2006, 402 Australians died from asthma.

“There is no cure for asthma, but asthma deaths are preventable – we just need to continue to take it seriously,” Kristine Whorlow said.

For more information on the 35th Australian Antiquarian Book Fair visit: www.anzaab.com

Rare Books Benefit Common Disease

Take Asthma Action in National Asthma Week

September 1 to 7, 2008

The first week of September is National Asthma Week and the National Asthma Council Australia is urging the two million plus Aussies with asthma to make sure they have a current written asthma action plan.

According to National Asthma Council Australia chairman, Professor John Wilson, asthma prevalence in this country is relatively high but we can minimise its impact through greater awareness and understanding.

“In the same way that daylight savings signals the time to change your smoke alarm battery, National Asthma Week is the time to make a resolution to consult your GP and prepare a written asthma action plan, or if you already have a plan, make sure it is up-to-date,” Prof Wilson urged.

These written instructions help people with asthma, as well as their family, carers and neighbours, recognise how to tell if asthma symptoms are getting worse, and what action to take.

More in full release.

Take Asthma Action in National Asthma Week

Asthma in Older Adults Satellite Broadcast Program

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Up to one-third of older people with asthma remain undiagnosed due to a combination of under-reporting of symptoms and complexity of diagnosis.

COPD in the older person is also under-diagnosed.

To help address this growing problem, the National Asthma Council Australia will host a special Rural Health Education Foundation satellite broadcast program on September 9, 2008, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

More in full release.

Asthma in Older Adults Satellite Broadcast Program

World Asthma Day is May 6, 2008

“You Can Control your Asthma”

World Asthma Day has been held on the first Tuesday in May since 1998, when it was established by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA).

This year, World Asthma Day falls on Tuesday May 6 and Australia’s asthma advocates will be undertaking a wide range of initiatives on and around the Day, focusing on the theme: You Can Control your Asthma.

World Asthma Day May 6, 2008 Register

Resource

World Asthma Day May 6, 2008

World Asthma Day is May 6, 2008

Got asthma? You need a plan!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008, is World Asthma Day and the National Asthma Council Australia is urging the two million plus Australians with asthma to prepare, or update, their asthma action plans.

According to National Asthma Council Australia chairman, Professor John Wilson, asthma prevalence in this country is relatively high but we can minimise its impact through greater awareness and understanding.

“The theme of World Asthma Day this year is ‘you can control your asthma’ and, the best way to control asthma is to have an up-to-date written asthma action plan,” Prof Wilson said.

These written instructions help people with asthma, as well as their family, carers and neighbours, recognise how to tell if asthma symptoms are getting worse, and what action to take.

“Research shows that written action plans keep people with asthma in control of their condition. They are better equipped to recognise deterioration of their symptoms and can respond appropriately,” Prof Wilson said.

Unfortunately, many Australians with asthma do not have a written asthma action plan, despite evidence that shows that asthma self-management programs that involve a written action plan have a greater reduction in hospitalisation than those that do not.¹

“People who have a written action plan have better controlled asthma, fewer asthma symptoms and fewer days off work or school because of asthma.

“In the same way that daylight savings signals the time to change your smoke alarm battery, World Asthma Day is the time to make a resolution to consult your GP and prepare a written plan, or if you already have a plan, make sure it is up-to-date,” Prof Wilson urged.

Poorly managed asthma can be fatal. According to the latest statistics, 402 Australians died from asthma in 2006.

“There is no cure for asthma, but asthma deaths are preventable - we just need to continue to take it seriously.”

Sample asthma action plans can be downloaded from the National Asthma Council Australia website: www.nationalasthma.org.au/html/management/action_plans/ap005.asp

Reference

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

World Asthma Day is May 6, 2008

Popular spirometry handbook updated

One of the National Asthma Council Australia’s most referenced health professional resources – Spirometry: The Measurement and Interpretation of Ventilatory Function in Clinical Practice – has been revised and is now available for free download at

www.nationalasthma.org.au/html/management/spiro_book/index.asp

Only the gold standard, Asthma Management Handbook, is accessed more frequently than the Spirometry handbook, authored by Assoc Prof David Johns and Prof Rob Pierce and first published in 1995.

Now in its third edition, the Spirometry handbook has been completely updated to reflect new international standards and mirror the updated content that was published in the Asthma Management Handbook 2006.

According to author, Assoc Prof David Johns, respiratory scientist and Principle Research Fellow, Menzies Research Institute, the changes relate to the equipment used, patient procedures and updated reference values.

He said: “Spirometry is an important screening test to detect and quantify lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. It is also a valuable tool to monitor patient progress, but the repeatability of the test is critical to ensure truly comparative results.

“The changes to the new edition of the handbook focus on maximising the repeatability of the test through the optimum use of accurately calibrated equipment and appropriate patient-related procedures that encourage maximum patient effort.

“The aim is quality spirometry, every time.” Prof Johns stressed.

The spirometry reference values utilised in the handbook have also been updated, in line with the current edition of the Asthma Management Handbook, to provide the most recent data available and are clearly detailed in a series of tables.

The updated handbook, Spirometry: The Measurement and Interpretation of Ventilatory Function in Clinical Practice, has been written as an introductory guide for those involved in the performance and interpretation of spirometry in clinical practice.

It is pre-reading for health professionals participating in the National Asthma Council Australia’s new spirometry training course and will be a valuable refresher resource for health professionals who have already undertaken spirometry training.

Popular spirometry handbook updated

Click here for larger view

Asthma deaths table 1997-2006

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that the Australian asthma death toll jumped in 2006, with an additional 84 deaths being recorded compared to 2005 data.
 

The total number of deaths attributed to asthma in Australia in 2006 was 402.

The greatest increase in deaths occurred in the 70 plus age bracket, with 273 deaths recorded, compared with 191 in 2005.

This is an alarming trend that was identified by the National Asthma Council Australia in 2005 and one that it warns will only increase in line with our ageing population unless health professionals, carers and older people themselves take the threat seriously.

“The increasing rate of asthma deaths amongst our ageing population was recognised by Australian experts in 2005 and a conference was held to determine what steps needed to be done to minimise asthma mortality in this older group,” said Professor John Wilson, National Asthma Council Australia chairman.
More in full media release... Asthma Deaths Spike

As the leaves fall, the dust mite population in your bedroom could well be on the rise.

Research from Sydney’s Woolcock Institute of Medical Research shows that dust mite levels can increase 2-3 fold during late autumn, compared with summer levels.

According to National Asthma Council Australia director, Dr Janet Rimmer, a respiratory physician and allergist, that’s bad news for the vast numbers of Aussies with dust-mite triggered allergy or asthma.

She said: “Around 45 per cent of the population have an allergy and of those people, almost 80 per cent react to dust mites.

“Dust mites are the most common trigger for asthma in Australia and the bedroom is the site of the greatest exposure.”

House dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed off human skin scales.

They are mostly found in the home and live in soft furnishings such as beds, bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture, soft toys and clothing. More...

For full release open PDF above

Remote Indigenous Australian Asthma Action Plan Launched

A new asthma action plan specifically for Indigenous Australians has just been published on-line by the National Asthma Council Australia and is now available for free download at ‘Written Asthma Actions Plans’.

The plan was developed by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and is effectively Australia’s first official Remote Indigenous Australian Asthma Action Plan designed for national use.

Go to Asthma Action Plans for Indigenous Australians

The National Asthma Council Australia has launched Australia’s first national spirometry training course for GPs and practice nurses.

The six hour interactive course, which is open to individual Divisions of General Practice, was developed in consultation with the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science (ANZSRS) and the National Asthma Council’s GP Asthma Group.

It is designed to provide participants with comprehensive training in the application, measurement and interpretation of expiratory spirometry in general practice and provides hands on components to allow participants to apply their new knowledge in a practical setting.

Already more than 30 medical practitioners working with Australian Defence Force Recruiting have taken advantage of the new course in the wake of the Defence Force redefining its medical standards to allow for the inclusion of people with mild to intermittent asthma.

“General Practitioners implementing Defence’s asthma policy undertook the course to improve their ability to interpret the technical detail in spirometry reports and assess an individual's respiratory function,” said Chief Medical Officer Defence Force Recruiting, Dr Danielle Klar.

Dr Klar believes the course will have assisted them to recognise the impact and severity of lung diseases, such as asthma, on lung function and ensure that Defence candidates with a history of asthma are assessed accurately and efficiently.

“It provides an important update for all doctors who are likely to have received only limited formal training on spirometry since their initial university studies,” she said.

During 2008, the new spirometry training course will be rolled out nationally through individual Divisions of General Practice. Divisions can nominate to host a training course by submitting an application form to the National Asthma Council. Forms are available on-line:

Go to Spirometry training course

The National Asthma Council Australia’s spirometry training course is provided free of charge, thanks to funding by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Course participants may be eligible for continuing professional development (CPD) points.  

Media Releases 2007

Real or fake?

It’s a question that most families ponder as we hurtle towards Christmas, but the National Asthma Council Australia is warning the two million plus Aussies with asthma to make a careful choice, as both options could trigger asthma symptoms.

According to National Asthma Council Chief Executive Officer, Kristine Whorlow, pollens and dust are two of the most common asthma triggers and both could be lurking amongst the branches of your Chrissie tree, depending on which option you choose.

“Most people are unaware that some trees produce high amounts of pollen and pollen can trigger hay fever symptoms and asthma,” Kristine Whorlow said.

“Some of the biggest pollen producers include the Cypress family of trees and pine trees – the same trees that we use as the central focus of our Christmas celebrations, often bringing them into our living rooms for weeks on end.”

Judi Wicking, an experienced nurse and asthma educator, needs no convincing when it comes to pointing the finger at real Christmas trees as an asthma trigger.

As a child Judi’s family annually erected an artifical tree, but when Judi had a family of her own she opted for the real thing.

“For two or three years we had a real Christmas tree in the house and I found myself wheezing throughout the festivities. At first I didn’t make the connection, then I twigged – we got rid of the Christmas tree and I stopped wheezing.”

So for Judi’s family the answer to the annual Christmas tree dilemma is a fake tree – but some caution is needed here too, when it comes to minimising asthma triggers.

“Artificial trees can accumulate dust and even mould – another common asthma trigger – depending on how they have been stored, particularly over the damper winter months,” explained Kristine Whorlow.

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

“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 plan that you have developed with your doctor,” Kristine Whorlow advised.

“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

Trees

Natural Christmas trees may harbour pollen and artificial trees can be a major dust trap and may also accumulate mould – all three can trigger asthma in susceptible people.

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.

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 races 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.

More information

Asthma Information Brochures and Papers

Asthma Management Handbook 2006 - Identify and avoid trigger factors

The National Asthma Council Australia has teamed up with Dairy Australia to encourage people with asthma to dip into dairy this summer and bust the myth that dairy foods can trigger or exacerbate asthma.

“The fact is, dairy foods do not cause asthma,” said National Asthma Council Director, Dr Janet Rimmer, a respiratory physician and allergist from Sydney.

There is no medical evidence to connect the two – but despite this, some people with asthma cling to the old wives’ tale and may restrict or completely remove dairy foods from their diet.

“What tends to happen is that people confuse the coating that milk can leave on the back of the throat with mucus,” Dr Rimmer explained.

“Rather than seek medical advice and undergo appropriate allergy and challenge testing, we see many patients who have simply decided to avoid dairy foods, on the basis of this sensation and an ill-conceived myth.”

More in media release PDF version.

When it comes to asthma monitoring, the eye is the key; according to Associate Professor Helen Reddel, who has spent years researching and refining a new peak expiratory flow chart.

The new chart, which is now available for free from the National Asthma Council Australia and Woolcock Institute of Medical Research websites, has been designed to enable easy identification of changes in lung function and to overcome the confusion caused by the disparity of charts in circulation.

See Peak flow chart

More in media release PDF version.

The National Asthma Council Australia has welcomed the news that Australia’s last CFC asthma inhaler, Serevent Metered Dose Inhaler, will be discontinued from December 31, 2007.

According to the Council, which led the charge for the discontinuation of CFC containing inhalers, the phasing out of CFCs in asthma inhalers has been handled carefully and gradually to ensure that patients have ongoing access to their medications.

In the case of Serevent MDI, the green-coloured inhaler which is used to deliver symptom controller (or Long-Acting Beta-Agonist) medication, patients will still be able to use the same medication delivered via the green-coloured Accuhaler, which is CFC-free.

More in media release PDF version.

The first week of September is National Asthma Week and Australia’s peak asthma body, the National Asthma Council Australia is urging the 2 million plus Aussies with asthma to take the time this week to ensure they have a current written asthma action plan.

According to National Asthma Council Australia chairman, Professor John Wilson, asthma prevalence in this country is relatively high but we can minimise its impact through greater awareness and understanding.

“In the same way that daylight savings signals the time to change your smoke alarm battery, National Asthma Week is the time to make a resolution to consult your GP or pharmacist and prepare a written asthma action plan, or if you already have a plan, make sure it is up-to-date,” Prof Wilson urged.

More in media release PDF version.

See also Written Asthma Action Plans and Written Asthma Action Plan templates

The National Asthma Council Australia and The Asthma Foundations of Australia have welcomed today’s announcement by Australian Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, which paves the way for people with mild asthma to be accepted in the defence forces.

According to National Asthma Council Chairman, Professor John Wilson, well controlled asthma should not hinder a person’s career or lifestyle choices.

“This move by the Defence Forces acknowledges the many advances that we have made in asthma management, education and understanding over the past decade,” Prof Wilson said.

“The diagnosis and management of asthma has improved significantly and the revised entry standards are in line with the latest medical evidence.”

With the revision of the medical entry standards, people with intermittent or mild persistent asthma are now eligible to apply for the Australian Defence Forces.

Importantly, this group will be categorised as low risk.

More in media release PDF version.

The National Asthma Council Australia has updated its information paper: Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs): their therapeutic role in children with asthma, to reflect the most recent clinical evidence.

The paper, originally published in 2003, details the role of LTRAs, such as the PBS-listed montelukast (SINGULAIR), in the treatment of children aged two to 14 years with mild persistent asthma, intermittent asthma or exercise-induced asthma.

It has been prepared by a group of asthma specialists, including paediatric respiratory physicians, general practitioners and a pharmacist, and expands on the information contained in the recently updated Asthma Management Handbook (2006).

More in media release PDF version.

See Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs): their therapeutic role in children with asthma

A comprehensive on-line library of downloadable Written Asthma Action Plans has been launched by the National Asthma Council Australia.

The new library, located on the National Asthma Council Australia’s website (www.nationalasthma.org.au) provides quick access to a selection of the most reputable plans currently available in Australia today, as well as links to several international options.

All plans can be accessed directly from the website enabling health professionals to select the most appropriate plan for their patients and eliminating the need to stockpile hard copies.

More in media release PDF version.

See Written Asthma Action Plans and Written Asthma Action Plan templates

Australia’s peak asthma body, the National Asthma Council Australia, has heralded tomorrow’s introduction of tougher smoking laws in New South Wales and Victoria as a major health victory.

Effective from mid-night, both states will introduce a complete indoor smoking ban in all licensed premises, cutting the risk of passive smoking and limiting the appeal of smoking for others.

According to National Asthma Council Chairman, Prof John Wilson, the ban will benefit all patrons with asthma as well as bar staff who are virtually smoking half a packet of cigarettes in an eight hour shift, based on the amount of second- hand smoke they have to endure.

The detrimental impact of passive smoking has been extensively documented, with the US Environmental Protection Authority branding secondhand smoke a ‘Class A carcinogen’, responsible for thousands of deaths each year.

More in media release PDF version.

Practical ways to incorporate the principles of patient-centred health care into every day practice are the focus of a new discussion paper which has just been published on the National Asthma Council Australia’s website: www.nationalasthma.org.au.

The paper, Patient-centred health care in primary care: an overview, will be of particular interest to general practitioners, allied health professionals and community pharmacists.

It highlights the principles of patient-centred health care and provides practical examples of how primary care professionals can make a difference by enhancing their patient-centred focus. Each example is supported with real patient case studies.

The paper has relevance to all primary health care patients and is not restricted to asthma.

More in media release PDF version.

Go to Patient-centred health care in primary care: an overview

The National Asthma Council Australia has released an updated version of the popular ‘Managing Your Asthma’ wall chart, which is designed to help health professionals discuss asthma medications with patients.

The new wall chart features up-to-date colour photographs of 43 different asthma medications available in Australia today.

Each product is shown next to its current packaging for at-a-glance recognition and is grouped according to its classification. Relievers, non-steroidal preventers, corticosteroid preventers, symptom controllers and combination medications, as well as inhalers used in COPD, are all highlighted.

More in media release PDF version.

Go to chart - Managing Your Asthma

The National Asthma Council Australia is calling for better management of all asthma and bronchitis in the elderly, following this week’s release of the latest asthma death statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

In 2005, asthma killed 318 Australians – seven more than the number of deaths recorded in the previous year.

People aged 70 plus accounted for 191 of the deaths recorded, while those aged 40 to 60 years accounted for 95 deaths.

Death rates amongst younger groups remained relatively stable, indicating that the asthma management messages are hitting the mark with parents, teachers and carers.

In all, 210 females and 108 males died from asthma in 2005.

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Charts Asthma deaths for 2005

Asthma deaths table 1997-2005

Dr Janet Rimmer, a respiratory physician and allergist from Sydney, has been appointed to the National Asthma Council Australia Board as the representative of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA).

Dr Rimmer replaces Assoc Prof Mimi Tang, who served as the Board’s ASCIA representative for six years, before stepping down in October 2006.

Dr Rimmer has held a long term interest in the area of both allergy and asthma since completing her Doctor of Medicine in the area in 1986.

Since that time she has undertaken extensive clinical work in the area of allergy and asthma, currently as a Visiting Medical Officer at several Sydney hospitals including Royal North Shore; St Vincent’s Private; Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, St Lukes; and, Wolper Jewish Hospital. She is also a Clinical Research Fellow at the Woolcock Institute (Sydney University).

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As Australia’s sneezing season continues, the National Asthma Council Australia and the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy have released a new consumer information guide, Allergic rhinitis and Your Asthma – what you should know, specifically aimed at helping people with asthma and allergic rhinitis breathe easier.

Hay fever is the most obvious and easily recognised type of allergic rhinitis and it is particularly prevalent during spring and right through the warmer months.

According to Associate Professor Mimi Tang, chairperson of the expert working group responsible for writing the new guide, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis is increasing, with figures from an International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC), showing that rates of allergic rhinitis in Australia have continued to rise in the past decade.

There is a strong link between asthma and allergic rhinitis. More...

Allergic rhinitis and Your Asthma – what you should know.

As Aussie kids get set to head back to the classroom, the National Asthma Council Australia is warning parents, teachers and health professionals to prepare for a corresponding spike in asthma emergencies.

According to National Asthma Council spokesperson, Professor Peter van Asperen from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the ‘February Epidemic’ is a well documented phenomenon that will hit in a couple of weeks. More...

See also

First Aid for Asthma

Written Asthma Action Plans