Don’t be complacent about Asthma
Did you know that 1 in 10 people have asthma and between 2012 – 2013 there were 394 deaths from asthma in Australia. There is no cure but it can be well controlled.
High school is a good time to start handing over responsibilities to your teen with regards to an asthma action plan. Encourage them to make a GP visit and update their plan. Make it their responsibility to carry their reliever and take their preventer.
Asthma is a disease of the airways with the most common symptoms being wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and persistent coughing. Some people feel they only have asthma when they have symptoms but in fact the airways are always sensitive and irritated unless regular preventative treatment in taken. Sometimes you will not be able to hear a wheeze but it can still be asthma.
Common triggers include respiratory infections, smoke, changes in weather, allergies, breathing in chemicals, stress and exercise. Milk consumption does not lead to mucus production or occurrence of asthma.
Asthma medications include relievers (blue/grey) and preventers (red/brown) usually as inhalers. Prednisone tablets will also often be used for an asthma flare up. If you are using your reliever two or more days a week then it’s time to talk to your Doctor.
Asthma First Aid – http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/uploads/content/22-First-Aid-Asthma-Chart.pdf
Asthma Plan – Every adult and child with asthma should have a written asthma plan prepared with your Doctor. Only 40 per cent of children in Australia have a plan. An asthma action plan outlines triggers, medications and a step-by-step guide of what to do when asthma is well controlled, getting worse, severe and life threatening. Here are some examples.
If you are not sure if you are using your inhaler properly watch these videos:
http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/how-to-videos
So the message is don’t be complacent, take your preventer routinely if ordered, carry your reliever and follow your asthma action plan. Remember reliever inhalers are available in the clinic, pool office, gym and library.
Sister Margaret Bates
School Nurse
