The National Asthma Council today launched a suite of resources on thunderstorm asthma to help prepare pharmacists and pharmacies for the upcoming grass pollen season.
Written for pharmacists, GPs, and practice nurses, the new resources include an information paper on the causes, prevention and treatment of thunderstorm asthma, an updated information paper on managing allergic rhinitis in people with asthma, and a handy flowchart for pharmacists to identify and advise at-risk patients.
National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson and pharmacist, Dr Jenny Gowan said the thunderstorm event last year was a timely reminder for pharmacists and pharmacy staff to refresh their knowledge on evidence-based best practice of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
“The new resources from the National Asthma Council has everything you and your pharmacy need to know to counsel patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis on preventing thunderstorm asthma.”
In addition, the National Asthma Council is offering free workshops, a webinar series and online learning modules to upskill healthcare professionals and prepare their patients and practices for thunderstorm asthma season. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to take advantage of these resources.
“The risk of thunderstorm asthma is highest in adults who are sensitised to ryegrass pollen, have allergic rhinitis (with or without known asthma), and are not taking an inhaled corticosteroid asthma preventer. The worst outcomes are seen in people with poorly controlled asthma,” said Dr. Gowan.
“It is also important to act quickly and decisively when encountering patients with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing or sneezing, even if they claim to be fine.”
Supported by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and guided by an expert working group, the thunderstorm asthma information paper includes learnings from last year’s thunderstorm asthma event in Melbourne and calls for immediate and appropriate treatment for patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis.
Dr. Gowan said that in primary care, prevention of asthma triggered by thunderstorms is based on:
Dr. Gowan urged pharmacists to ensure their patients are prepared by discussing the regular use preventative medications if appropriate and recommending an up-to-date asthma action plan, written by their GP, before the start of pollen season across south east Australia on October 1.
The thunderstorm asthma information paper was developed by an expert working group, including Dr. Jenny Gowan.
The webinar series were developed in partnership with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association, and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, whereas the online learning modules were a collaboration with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Development of the updated information paper on Managing allergic rhinitis in people with asthma was supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Seqirus. The National Asthma Council Australia retained editorial control over all resources.
All the resources are available at the National Asthma Council Australia website www.nationalasthma.org.au.
In Australia, one in 10 adults and children have asthma. Around 4 out of 5 people with asthma also have allergies, such as pollen-related hay fever.
For further information, or to arrange an interview with a National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson, please contact:
Lelde McCoy, the Reputation Group
Tel: 03 9645 7755 Mob: 0417 362 768
Email: lm@thereputationgroup.com.au
