NSW Health are urging people prone to hay-fever and respiratory conditions like asthma to prepare for the bushfire and thunderstorm asthma season.
Professor Matthew Peters, Respiratory Physician and Head of Respiratory Medicine at Concord Hospital said with high levels of pollen in the air in spring and the ongoing risk of bushfire smoke, now is the time for people with asthma to update their Asthma Action Plans.
“Anyone with diagnosed asthma should have access to their asthma medication at all times during this high-risk period, avoid exposure to triggers where possible and proactively manage their asthma by regularly taking their inhaler treatments and monitoring symptoms,” Professor Peters said.
There are some simple steps people can take now to prepare:
• If you have ever been diagnosed withasthma, ensure you have an up-to-date action plan in place, including how you should manage your symptoms if you experience a flare-up due to bushfire smoke or pollen.
• If your child has asthma, provide an updated asthma action plan to your child’spreschool, childcare centre or school.
• Check that your and/or your child’s asthma reliever medication and spacer isup-to-date and stored in an easy spot foryou or a responsible adult to get quickly.
• Knowing the warning signs of asthmalike wheezing, breathlessness, feelingtight in the chest or persistent cough andwhen to seek advice from your doctor orurgent emergency care.
• During times of high pollen, bushfiresmoke or thunderstorms, where possible remain inside and keep windows anddoors closed.
For more information on asthma visit https://asthma.org.au/