Asthma information
- What is asthma?
- Do I have asthma?
- What causes asthma?
- Asthma symptoms
- Asthma triggers
- How is asthma diagnosed?
- Severe Asthma
- Asthma attacks
- Asthma emergencies
- Asthma action plans
Asthma is a long-term condition affecting the airways in our lungs
With Asthma, immune cells in our airways become sensitive and react to triggers such as smoke or vape, dust, exercise, pollen, cold air, viruses and some medications (to name a few). These triggers cause the airways to tighten on the outside, swell on the inside and produce extra mucous, making the airways narrower and the passage of air in and out of our lungs harder. An important part of managing your Asthma is knowing what triggers it and avoiding these triggers where possible.
Our airways are vital because they move air in and out of our lungs (we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide). Without them, we would not survive.
Types of asthma
Allergic asthma
- The most common type, accounting for approximately 80-90% of asthma cases
- Triggered by things like dust mite, pollen, medications and mould
- In severe cases, may respond to biologics
- Part of a group of conditions called atopy
Atopy is a group of conditions which includes asthma, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and eczema (atopic dermatitis). Many people who have allergic asthma will also have hay fever and/or eczema. It is common for these conditions to run in families. If a child whose parents or other close relatives already have asthma, or allergies, they have a higher chance of developing these conditions. The chance is increased if both parents have a history of atopy.
If you have both asthma and hay fever, it is important to make sure both conditions are managed well. Because they affect the same airways, they can trigger each other. Sometimes people find that when their hay fever is playing up, their asthma is too and vice versa.
Non-allergic asthma
- Less common than allergic
- Triggered by exercise, respiratory tract infections and emotions
- Not likely to respond to biological treatment
- May require higher doses of preventer medication to manage symptoms (inhaled corticosteroids)
Asthma Risk Factors Include:
- Living environment and housing
- Smoking and vaping (including second hand/passive exposure)
- Family history
- Respiratory infections
- Obesity
- Climate change
- Some medications
Asthma is the most common long-term condition among children world-wide however it is uncommon for children under the age of 5-6 years to be given a diagnosis of asthma. This is because in NZ:
- About 2/3 of children with asthma symptoms (I.e. wheeze) will likely grow out of it once they start school
- Children have smaller airways – once airways develop and mature, symptoms can reduce or disappear entirely
- Immature immune system – children’s immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to infections than adults
- Doctors do not want to put diagnostic labels on children (I.e. asthmatic) unless necessary. This is important if the child wants to later pursue employment in careers such as the Defence Force or the Police Force, where asthma may be a barrier
Severe Asthma
It is important to note that severe asthma is not the same as uncontrolled asthma. However it is possible to have severe asthma that is also uncontrolled.
In most cases, using your preventer inhaler every day as prescribed and avoiding and managing triggers is enough to live well with asthma. However sometimes, asthma symptoms can persist despite your (and your health care teams) best efforts and impact on your and your whanau’s quality of life.
Severe asthma affects about 10% of all asthma cases and severe eosinophilic (allergic) asthma accounts for about 30-50% of these.
People with severe asthma:
- Would have tried several different types of inhalers
- Usually are on the highest dose of inhaled corticosteroid inhaler safest for them
- Have had multiple courses of oral steroids (OCS) or may be on long-term OCS treatment
- Have had multiple severe and/or life-threatening asthma exacerbations
- Are usually under the care of a respiratory or paediatric specialist team
- May be considered for biological treatment
While severe asthma can be difficult to treat, it is still possible to manage it and have a good quality of life.
How do I know if I have asthma?
If you think you or someone you care for might have asthma, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Going through the process of getting a diagnosis will tell you whether your breathing symptoms are being caused by asthma. A diagnosis will help you to manage your asthma and understand how to prevent symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, breathlessness and coughing. It will also help you learn how to treat them.
At your appointment your doctor will ask you questions about your and your family’s medical history. They may also ask for details about your symptoms such as:
- When, where, and what makes your symptoms worse
- How often and how serious your symptoms have been
If you have eczema or hay fever, or have close relatives with allergies or asthma, a diagnosis is more likely. Asthma is also more likely to be diagnosed if your symptoms:
- Keep coming back, or happen at the same time each year
- Are worse at night or in the early morning
- Are clearly triggered by exercise, allergies or infections, or have a seasonal pattern
- Improve quickly with reliever medication
If you have been told that you had asthma symptoms as a child or get symptoms every now and then (for example when exercising or during spring) it’s important to visit your doctor to find out if it’s asthma.
Asthma is the most common long-term condition among children world-wide however it is uncommon for children under the age of 5-6 years to be given a formal diagnosis of asthma. This is because in NZ:
- About 2/3 of children with asthma symptoms (I.e. wheeze) will likely grow out of it once they start school
- Children have smaller airways – once airways develop and mature, symptoms can reduce or disappear entirely
- Immature immune system – children’s immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to infections than adults
- Doctors do not want to put diagnostic labels on children (I.e. asthmatic) unless necessary. This is important if the child wants to later pursue employment in careers such as the Defence Force or the Police Force, where asthma may be a barrier
Did you know…Your child can still be started on a preventer inhaler even if they don’t have an asthma diagnosis – especially if they are experiencing frequent and/or severe asthma symptoms. Talk to one of our team today or make an appointment with your GP if you are concerned.
What tests will tell me if I have asthma?
There is no single test for asthma. Your doctor will use the information about your symptoms and health to work out whether you need to have:
- Spirometry (breathing or lung function) test –this is suitable for most adults and kids aged six and older
- FeNO
- Peak Flow
- Asthma Control Test (ACT)
- Allergy testing
- Treatment trial (this means starting asthma treatment and seeing if it’s effective)
Asthma Control Test
A Simple Test to Help Manage Your Asthma
Click Here for the Asthma Control Test
The Asthma control test is a commonly used tool by healthcare providers globally, and has been scientifically tested with hundreds of people with asthma.
The asthma control test (ACT) is a commonly used, subjective tool, filled out by patients and whanau to help determine the level of someones current asthma control. The test asks questions relating to the last four weeks.
There is both an adult and a child’s test and they come in a variety of lanugages. The adults test is comprised of 5 questions with a total score available of 25.
The childrens test allows for both the child and parent/caregiver to fill in their respective sections and a total score of 27 is available.
For both adults and childrens asthma control tests, a score of 19/20 or less suggest partly or poorly controlled asthma.
Based on the score, you can help take appropriate action to better manage your asthma.
If you are struggling with asthma or would like to understand more about it, get in touch with us today.
What causes asthma?
Around 1 in 8 New Zealanders (615,000 people) take medication for asthma. Anyone can get asthma, and at any age. Research tells us that both genetics (family history) and our environment play a role in the development of asthma.
Asthma can be allergic or non-allergic. It is possible for people to have both allergic and non-allergic asthma triggers.
Allergic asthma
- The most common type, accounting for approximately 80-90% of asthma cases
- Triggered by things like dust mite, pollen, medications and mould
- In severe cases, may respond to biologics
- Part of a group of conditions called atopy
Atopy is a group of conditions which includes asthma, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and eczema (atopic dermatitis). Many people who have allergic asthma will also have hay fever and/or eczema. It is common for these conditions to run in families. If a child whose parents or other close relatives already have asthma, or allergies, they have a higher chance of developing these conditions. The chance is increased if both parents have a history of atopy.
If you have both asthma and hay fever, it is important to make sure both conditions are managed well. Because they affect the same airways, they can trigger each other. Sometimes people find that when their hay fever is playing up, their asthma is too and vica versa. Treatment of hay fever include:
- Saline nasal rinses
- Corticosteroid nasal spray (I.e. Flixonase, Steroclear)
- Antihistamine tablets or liquid (I.e. Loratadine, Cetirizine)
- Decongestant nasal sprays
- Eye drops
For more information about hay fever, causes and treatments, visit the Allergy NZ website
Non-allergic asthma
- Less common than allergic
- Triggered by exercise, respiratory tract infections and emotions
- Not likely to respond to biological treatment
- May require higher doses of preventer medication to manage symptoms (inhaled corticosteroids)
Asthma Risk Factors Include:
- Living environment and housing
- Smoking and vaping (including second hand/passive exposure)
- Family history
- Respiratory infections
- Obesity
- Climate change
- Some medications
Asthma is the most common long-term condition among children world-wide however it is uncommon for children under the age of 5-6 years to be given a diagnosis of asthma. This is because in NZ:
- About 2/3 of children with asthma symptoms (I.e. wheeze) will likely grow out of it once they start school
- Children have smaller airways – once airways develop and mature, symptoms can reduce or disappear entirely
- Immature immune system – children’s immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to infections than adults
- Doctors do not want to put diagnostic labels on children (I.e. asthmatic) unless necessary. This is important if the child wants to later pursue employment in careers such as the Defence Force or the Police Force, where asthma may be a barrier
Did you know…Your child can still be started on a preventer inhaler even if they don’t have an asthma diagnosis – especially if they are experiencing frequent and/or severe asthma symptoms. Talk to one of our team today or make an appointment with your GP if you are concerned.
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Asthma symptoms are signs, sensations or effects you might experience when living with asthma. They occur because the airways (the breathing passages in your lungs) become irritated, inflamed, or narrowed, making it harder for air to move in and out. These symptoms can be mild, moderate, or, in some cases, severe and life-threatening. Read more about asthma and symptoms here Everyone experiences symptoms differently and most people have more than one type of symptom. Some may have only a few symptoms, while others experience several all at once. One of the key things about asthma is that the symptoms change over time depending on what your triggers are. Asthma symptoms are usually worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard to sleep. Symptoms can be obvious or ‘silent’ meaning sometimes we or the people around us don’t take enough notice of when we are experiencing asthma symptoms. Silent symptoms may include breathlessness. If symptoms are left untreated, this can lead to an asthma attack. It is so important to make sure you understand how your symptoms affect you and when to call for help. If you or someone you care for has silent asthma symptoms, you should let people around you (doctors, school/daycare staff, work colleagues, family and friends) know so they can help and support you when you need it. Even when symptoms ease or disappear, asthma remains a long-term condition, meaning it doesn’t go away, it’s with you for life. If your symptoms never get better, even when you are using the right medications, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Ongoing symptoms could be linked to another condition, and getting this checked out means you get the right treatment for you. Asthma Symptoms: Wheezing Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling noise due to high- pressure movement through narrowed airways in the lower lungs. Airflow through a narrowed airway becomes like a tornado, causing vibrations on the walls of our airways , making the sound of wheezing. Wheezing often happens when you breathe out because the airways in your lungs naturally get a bit narrower as your lungs empty. Wheezing during breathing out alone usually means there is less blockage than wheezing during both breathing in and breathing out, which suggests more severe airway narrowing. Chest Tightness and Pain During an asthma attack Inflammed airways – Symptoms of inflammation such as pain and swelling that occur in the airways cause the sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest. Carbon dioxide that is not blown out of our lungs (we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide) builds up in the air sacs at the bottom of our lungs and this gives us the feeling of a tight chest (think of a balloon that is blown up too big). In children, instead of complaining of a tight chest, they sometimes say that their ‘stomach is sore’. It is also common for children to vomit when experiencing an asthma attack becuase when mucous drains into the stomach it can make them feel sick. After an asthma attack Chest tightness or pain can also occur following an asthma attack and can last days. This is commonly due to ‘accessory’ muscle use which includes neck, collar bone, ribs, shoulders – muscles that we don’t usually have to think about using with normal breathing. Cough People may experience a dry cough or a wet cough with asthma. Wet or ‘productive cough’ – due to a build up of mucus in the airways Dry cough – due to the tightened muscles around the airway twitching and tickling the back of the throat. This can sound like throat clearing. Shortness of Breath (SOB) SOB or difficulty breathing occurs due to swelling inside the airway and the tightening of the muscles on the outside of the airway during an asthma attack. This reduces the amount of oxygen that can be inhaled and therefore the amount of oxygen which is able to reach our vital organs such as our brain, kidneys and heart. People with asthma may express feeling like they can’t breathe well (they might feel light-headed, their heart is racing and their breathing may be very fast). Other symptoms may include:
People with asthma can live well and symptom free Asthma symptoms should not be a part of your normal day. It is important to understand what asthma symptoms are and how they affect you. The first step in managing your asthma is knowing:
Knowing how bad or how often you get asthma symptoms will help you and your doctor to better understand how to treat them. A written Asthma Action Plan from your doctor will also help you to organise this information all in one place. To keep track of your symptoms, you can use a symptom diary. Use this alongside your peak flow to help understand any patterns to your symptoms. If you are struggling to get on top of asthma and would like support and education, get in touch with our team of expert nurses and educators today. |
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Triggers A trigger is something that brings on asthma symptoms. Triggers can be allergic (like dust) or non-allergic (like exercise). Understanding what your asthma triggers are and how to avoid them (where possible) is an important part of good asthma management. Identifying Triggers
The airways in a person who has asthma are over-sensitive and irritated easily by triggers (you may have one or many).
Asthma triggers are different for each person and each person can have different reactions to them. It is impossible to avoid all types of triggers (such as dust) but understanding what your asthma triggers are and how to avoid them (where possible) is an important part of good asthma management. The irritation from these triggers lead to an immune response inside the airways and causes them to become inflamed (swelling), produce extra mucous/phlegm and cause muscle tightening around the airways. This airway tightening is called bronchoconstriction. These processes lead to narrowing of the inside of the airways which can then cause symptoms. Asthma symptoms come and go and sometimes it is not always clear what has caused them. How do we know what our triggers are? Many people with asthma know what their triggers are, but other people have difficulty knowing exactly why they get symptoms when they do. Allergy testing can help identify what could be triggering your asthma and your doctor can arrange these if they are appropirate for you. Tests include:
Here are some top tips for managing common asthma triggers – click to read more about triggers
For best asthma control:
Asthma New Zealand can help you identify and manage your triggers – if you would like to speak to one of our expert team today for FREE, we would love to support you. |
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There is no single test for asthma. Your doctor will ask you a series of questions about you and your families medical history including:
There are some tests that can help to formally diagnose someone with asthma. Spirometry Spirometry is a gold standard diagnostic test for long-term respiratory conditions such as Asthma and COPD. A spirometry test measures lung function, specifically the amount and/or speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled from your lungs. It gives health professionals information to help form a treatment plan and monitor it over time. While spirometry is a safe and painless test, it wont be suitable for everyone. Some young children and people with certain medical conditions (such as glaucoma) will not be able to have it done. Speak to your doctor today to see if this is a test that would be suitable for you. Asthma NZ accepts referrals for spirometry – fill this form in and one of our team will be in touch. Peak Flow A peak flow meter, also known as a peak expiratory flow rate meter, is a small handheld device that helps you measure how well air moves out of your lungs. This is measured in litres per minute (L/min). By blowing into the mouthpiece as hard as you can after a deep breath, you get a reading of the maximum (or peak) rate at which you can blow air out of your lungs. It can help monitor changes in your airways. During an asthma flare-up, the airways in the lungs slowly start to narrow and this slows the speed of air moving in and out of the lungs which is detected by the peak flow meter. A peak flow meter can help show the narrowing of the airways well before an asthma attack happens and help you figure out what may be triggering your asthma. A peak flow is not used as a diagnostic tool on its own and sometimes it is not used at all to diagnose asthma. If it used to determine if you have asthma or to see if a low peak flow reading can be reversed (which can indicate asthma), your doctor or nurse may perform something called ‘reversibility’. Reversibility is a test done by your health professional using your peak flow and a reliever medication. You will be given a specific number of puffs of a reliever and asked to measure your peak flow again. They will calculate the percentage that your peak flow has improved (if at all) and this can help form a picture of what is going on inside your airways at that time. For more information about peak flow – click here Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) FeNO is a breathing test used to measure allergic airway inflammation. It can be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests such as spirometry and blood tests to diagnose asthma. FeNO can:
Allergy Testing Asthma is strongly linked to allergies. Knowing what allergies trigger your asthma may help you to avoid them and manage your asthma symptoms better. What is an allergy test? There are different ways to test for your allergies. The most common tests used are blood tests (RAST) and skin prick testing (SPT). These allergy tests help your doctor confirm the substance (or allergen) that you are sensitive to. Skin Prick test Skin prick tests are usually done on your forearm. A drop of allergen (such as dust or animal dander) is put on the skin and a small prick into the skin is made through the drop. This allows a tiny amount of allergen to enter your body. If you are allergic, a small lump will appear over the next 15 to 20 minutes. Blood allergy testing (RAST) Blood testing may be performed if skin testing is not possible, such as in cases of severe eczema. This test involves taking a sample of blood which is checked for antibodies to specific allergens. Where to get these tests done Chat with your doctor about what tests are right for you. The doctor can make a referral for all of these. |
Severe Asthma
It is important to note that severe asthma is not the same as uncontrolled asthma. However it is possible to have severe asthma that is also uncontrolled.
In most cases, using your preventer inhaler every day as prescribed and avoiding and managing triggers is enough to live well with asthma. However sometimes, asthma symptoms can persist despite your (and your health care teams) best efforts and impact on your and your whanau’s quality of life.
Severe asthma affects about 10% of all asthma cases and severe eosinophilic (allergic) asthma accounts for about 30-50% of these.
People with severe asthma:
- Would have tried several different types of inhalers
- Usually are on the highest dose of inhaled corticosteroid inhaler safest for them
- Have had multiple courses of oral steroids (OCS) or may be on long-term OCS treatment
- Have had multiple severe and/or life-threatening asthma exacerbations
- Are usually under the care of a respiratory or paediatric specialist team
- May be considered for biological treatment
While severe asthma can be difficult to treat, it is still possible to manage it and have a good quality of life.
What is an asthma attack?
Asthma attacks, also called asthma ‘flare ups’ or asthma ‘exacerbations’ can be mild or severe. They occur when asthma symptoms are triggered (I.e. during exercise or sports). Even people who normally have very mild asthma can have asthma attacks.
Asthma attacks are frightening – watch Mea Motu describe how she felt during an asthma attack while fighting in the United Kingdom.
Mild Asthma Attacks
Asthma symptoms can get worse slowly (over hours to days). While this kind of attack can start with mild symptoms, it can progress into a full-blown, life threatening exacerbation which may require hospitalisation.
Severe Asthma Attacks
Asthma symptoms can come on quickly (seconds to minutes) and escalate rapidly to a life-threatening event, requiring emergency care.
What is a ‘silent’ asthma attack?
Not all people with asthma will have a wheeze or cough during an asthma attack. But they may still have other severe or life-threatening symptoms – see here for worsening asthma signs. When an asthma attack is so severe, symptoms such as wheeze or cough can disappear due to the airways squeezing so tight that they can no longer get enough air in and out to make those sounds. Once it has reached this point, if no medical care is received immediately, it is only a matter of time before that person has a respiratory arrest (a life-threatening condition requiring emergency medical care).
The danger of asthma attacks
In Aotearoa, someone has an asthma attack every 2.5 minutes, and around 100 people die from asthma each year. Asthma attacks are largely preventable, and no one in New Zealand should be dying from asthma.
Apart from the immediate risk to life, there are some often unknown risks to asthma attacks. Even mild asthma attacks increase the risk of future attacks that are more frequent and severe. Over time, repeated attacks can cause structural changes to the lungs, making asthma harder to control. Poorly controlled asthma can also increase the risk of developing other long-term conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is characterised by irreversible lung damage that makes breathing difficult, and includes:
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Asthma-COPD Overlap (ACO)
What happens after an asthma attack?
Sometimes, when asthma is severe or following an asthma attack, your doctor or nurse may prescribe you a short course of oral steroids (such as prednisone, prednisolone, redi-pred). These medicines work by calming down the inflammation and swelling in the airways, helping you or your child to breathe more easily and recover from an asthma flare-up/attack.
Oral steroids are usually very effective for getting asthma back under control, but they are not a long-term solution. Regular use can cause unwanted side effects such as changes to growth, bone strength, and the immune system. Because of this, research suggests that the safe lifetime total should not exceed about 1 gram (roughly four standard courses).
Oral steroids, like any medication, can cause side effects. Common side effects include:
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting
- Increased appetite
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Stomach bloating or irritation
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Mood change
The goal is always to keep asthma so well controlled with daily preventer medicine that oral steroids are rarely, if ever, needed. If you or your child is needing oral steroids, it’s a sign their asthma management plan may need reviewing.
Prevention is key
The best way to prevent an asthma attack is to keep your asthma well controlled by:
- Taking your preventer inhaler every day as prescribed — continue even if you feel well
- Having an annual asthma check-up with your doctor or nurse
- Checking in with your doctor or nurse if your symptoms worsen, or if you use your reliever inhaler more than twice a week
- Making sure your asthma action plan is up to date
- Ensuring you are using your inhaler devices correctly — about 80% of people do not, which can lead to poor asthma control
- Measuring your peak flow, especially if you are unwell or notice worsening asthma
- Knowing what worsening asthma looks like
- Understanding your triggers and symptoms
- Knowing how to manage an asthma emergency
- Staying up to date with routine vaccinations, including COVID-19 and annual influenza vaccines – ask your doctor or nurse what vaccines are recommended for you
Do you know what to do in an asthma emergency?
The truth is that asthma attacks can strike at any time but the risk of having an asthma attack is increased with poorly controlled asthma. Signs of poorly controlled asthma include:
- Experiencing asthma symptoms every day or every other day
- Using more than 2 puffs of your reliever inhaler per week
- If you have had more than two reliever inhalers dispensed in the last 12 months
- Asthma symptoms that come in the night while you are sleeping or early in the morning
- If you are missing days of work or school
- If your asthma is worsening despite using your preventer as prescribed every day
- If you are unable to take part in things you enjoy doing such as playing sports
- If you have used more than one course of oral steroids (I.e. prednisone, prednisolone, redi-pred) in the last 12 months
- Have presented to an urgent care clinic or hospital (ED) or been admitted to hospital in the last 12 months
Whether your asthma is mild or severe, it is vital to know how to manage an asthma emergency.
Reliever inhalers
There are a few types of medications that can be used to treat the symptoms of asthma.
- Salbutamol – a group of reliever medications including Ventolin, Salair and Respigen | Contains salbutamol
- Anti-inflammatory Reliever (AIR) Inhalers – includes Symbicort and Duoresp Spiromax | Contains budesonide/formoterol
Bricanyl Turbuhaler | Contains Terbutaline Sulfate
How relievers work
- Only medication that will work quickly in emergencies
- Work quickly within 2-5 minutes and effects last for 4-6 hours
- They relax the smooth muscles on the outside of the airways, easing symptoms
- Think of them like a band-aid – they deal with symptoms but not the underlying inflammation in the lungs
- Relieves the symptoms of asthma (shortness of breath, tight chest, cough and wheeze)
- Can be used when unwell with a cold, especially if this is a trigger for you (talk to your doctor first and follow your action plan)
- Can be used before taking part in exercise or sports, if you know physical activity is a trigger for you
What is an asthma action plan and why is it important?
An Asthma Action Plan (sometimes called a ‘management plan’ or ‘treatment plan’) is a personalised guide you create with your doctor, or nurse prescriber. It is formatted a bit like a traffic light system. It is one of the most important parts of managing your asthma.
Everyone with asthma – both children and adults, should have an action plan, whether your asthma is mild or severe.
The person who prescribes your medications is usually responsible for filling the action plan out.
Action plans clearly explain:
- Which asthma medicines to take each day
- What to do if your symptoms get worse
- How to manage an asthma attack
- When to seek urgent medical help
How an Asthma Action Plan helps everyone be on the same page
An Asthma Action Plan isn’t just for you – it’s also a guide for the important people in your life.
An action plan allows everyone who cares for you (or your child) to understand and know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how serious things might be (especially in an emergency).
This is especially important for:
- Schools, ECE’s and teachers – so they know what symptoms to look out for and when to act
- Grandparents and whānau – so they feel confident giving the right medicine if you are unable to do it yourself
- Workplaces – so colleagues understand what support you may need in an asthma attack
- Sports coaches and clubs – so sports and games remain safe and fun, with a plan in case symptoms worsen
Having a clear, agreed plan means:
- Less confusion in stressful situations
- Faster action during an asthma attack
- Peace of mind for you and those around you
- Fewer hospital visits and emergencies
An asthma action plan makes sure everyone is speaking the same language when it comes to managing your asthma.
Types of Asthma Action Plans
Different types of plans are available, and in different languages. Talk with your health professional about which one is right for you:
- AIR (Symbicort) Action Plan
- Three-Stage Asthma Action Plan
- Four-Stage Asthma Action Plan
- Child’s Asthma Action Plan
What is an Asthma Review?
An asthma review (or check-up) is an appointment with your doctor, nurse to see how your asthma is going. They can also give you some tips to help improve your asthma control or stay on top of symptoms.
They will check:
- Your current asthma symptoms
- How often you are using your reliever
- If you have had any asthma attacks since your last review or in the last 12 months
- If you have been prescribed any oral steriods in the last 12 months
- If you need any lung function tests completed (I.e. spirometry, FeNO)
- If you are due for any blood tests to check allergies etc
- If you need to be referred to a specialist
- Your lung sounds
- What your triggers are and how you are managing them
- Your current asthma medicine – is it working well?
- If you are using your preventer inhaler every day as prescribed
- Any side effects from your asthma medicines
- Your Asthma Action Plan
Getting Started
Book an asthma review with your doctor, nurse or asthma educator today and stay on top of your asthma management!