By Annette Campbell
Most of us either know someone with asthma, or live with the chronic respiratory disease itself.
One in six Aussie school kids has asthma, while the number of people living with it worldwide is predicted to rise from 300 million to 400 million by 2025.
Disturbingly, Australia has the third highest prevalence of this condition in the world — with 2.2 million people affected.
But just in time for World Asthma Day (May 6), there is also some good news.
“Although the general statistics on asthma are concerning, there is a lot of great work being done to help people affected by this chronic condition,” says the Asthma Foundation of NSW’s Acting CEO, Mimi St John Austen.
“In 2001, the Asthma Friendly Schools program was launched, to address the need for schools to support the growing number of children with asthma and be able to better handle asthma emergencies when they arise.
“Also there has been some breakthrough research — including the testing of a vaccine that may help stop the onset of asthma in children.”
So what causes asthma?
People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs. When they are exposed to certain triggers their airways narrow, making it hard for them to breathe.
Common triggers include:
viral infections, such as colds
allergies, such as pollen, moulds and dust mite
passive smoking exposure
preservatives and food colourings and some foods
cold air
How is it treated?
The aim of all asthma management is to reduce asthma symptoms, so that the person can lead a full and active life. The best way to achieve this is to avoid triggers and through the correct use of asthma medications. There are four types of asthma medications:
Relievers — (usually in blue/grey containers) provide relief of asthma symptoms within minutes.
Preventers — (usually in brown, white yellow or orange containers) reduce the swelling and inflammation in the airways.
Symptom Controllers — (usually in green containers) are long-acting relievers which last for up to 12 hours.
Combination medications (purple and red) are medications that combine a preventer medication and symptom controller, which are taken together in one inhaler device.
World Asthma Day is Tuesday May 2, and this year’s theme is the ‘Unmet Needs of Asthma’.
More Information
If you’d like more information about asthma or World Asthma Day events, phone the Asthma Foundation’s free national information line on: 1800 645 130 or visit www.asthmansw.org.au
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