The National Asthma Council Australia today released major updates to Australia’s go-to asthma guides – the Australian Asthma Handbook for primary healthcare professionals and popular My Asthma Guide for people living with asthma.
National Asthma Council Australia CEO, Siobhan Brophy says Australia has one of the highest prevalence rates of asthma in the world, and the updated guides are essential in helping people with asthma to breathe well.
Developed by an interdisciplinary team of experts, the new edition of the Handbook continues to set the standard for asthma diagnosis and management in Australia and includes crucial updates to paediatric, severe and acute asthma sections, as well as advice on asthma prevention.
‘With approximately 20,000 children hospitalised annually in Australia for asthma, the Handbook updates focusing on diagnosing and treating childhood asthma, which can be particuarly challenging in young children, are critical to building healthy lungs for adulthood,’ says Ms Brophy.
Derived from the Handbook, My Asthma Guide gives people the practical advice and strategies they need to better understand their asthma, how it affects them and what they can do to maintain good control.
‘Given that one in 9 children in Australia have asthma, it’s particularly important that families, carers and teachers have access to the latest information in an easily accessible format. That’s why we’ve highlighted advice for childhood asthma, including the kid’s first aid for asthma protocol, in the new Guide.
‘We’re also proud to offer fully downloadable versions of My Asthma Guide in four community languages – Arabic, Chinese, Persian and Vietnamese – making it accessible to even more people living with asthma,’ says Ms Brophy.
New additions and updates to the Guide include a handy glossary of common asthma terms; information on thunderstorm asthma, hay fever, and asthma triggers; links to information about asthma medicines including a suite of how-to videos; and instructions on first aid for asthma.
Download or order your free copy of Australia’s leading asthma management guide by visiting the National Asthma Council Australia website: www.nationalasthma.org.au
The National Asthma Council Australia maintained strict editorial independence in developing My Asthma Guide. The revision was partially supported by unrestricted educational grants from sponsor GSK Australia.
For further information, or to arrange an interview with a National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson, please contact:
Lelde McCoy, The Reputation Group
Mobile: 0417 362 768
