Could this be Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways, the tubes that carry air from your nose, mouth and lungs.

Asthma is very common in Australia, 1 in 9 of us (2.7 million people) have it. It’s most common in children, 10% of children 0-14 are diagnosed.

Asthma is one of the top causes of hospitalisations for children. The condition can be mild to severe and as a parent you need to know how to manage asthma symptoms properly. Proper management is key to preventing an asthma attack.

Asthma Symptoms

Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person but the most common are:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
• Chest tightness
• Coughing, especially at night or early in the morning

Symptoms can develop over hours or days or worse, can escalate quickly and turn into an asthma attack. Knowing the difference between mild, moderate and severe asthma is key to knowing how to respond. An asthma inhaler is crucial in managing these symptoms, delivering medication directly to the lungs and giving quick relief.

Mild Asthma

Mild symptoms: Coughing and slight shortness of breath. Can speak in full sentences.

Moderate Asthma

Moderate symptoms: Breathing is laboured, can only speak in short sentences.

Severe Asthma

Severe asthma is life threatening. Can’t breathe, gasping for air, blue lips, sweating profusely, can only speak a few words. Call 000 now.

What Causes Asthma? Asthma Triggers

Asthma can be triggered by environmental and lifestyle factors. Some common triggers are:

• Allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet hair
• Respiratory infections like colds or flu
• Physical activity, especially in cold weather
• Tobacco smoke or other air pollutants
• Stress or strong emotions
• Weather changes, sudden drops in temperature

These can vary from person to person so you need to know what triggers your asthma symptoms.

How to Diagnose

If you think your child or someone in your household has asthma, you need to get a proper diagnosis from a doctor. Diagnosis involves:

• Medical history: The doctor will ask about symptoms, family history and potential asthma triggers.
• Lung function tests: These tests measure how well the lungs work, spirometry which measures the airflow in and out of the lungs.
• Allergy tests: These tests will identify potential allergens that may be causing asthma symptoms.

First Aid Action Plan for Asthma Attacks

Knowing how to prevent asthma symptoms and act fast during an asthma attack can save lives. For mild and moderate asthma:

1. Sit the person upright and try to keep them calm.
2. Use a blue/grey reliever inhaler with a spacer if available:

• Shake the inhaler.
• Give one puff into the spacer and have the person take four breaths.
• Repeat this process four times.
• Proper use of asthma medicine including use of spacers ensures the medicine gets to the lungs for optimal control.

1. Wait four minutes and reassess the person’s condition. If no improvement, repeat the treatment.

For severe asthma or symptoms worsen, call 000 now, say “asthma emergency” and continue treatment until help arrives.

Asthma Puffer Treatment

Asthma needs a combination of lifestyle changes and medication to be managed. Asthma puffers are essential to control asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. There are two types of asthma medicines: relievers and preventers.

• Relievers: These fast-acting medicines give quick relief from asthma symptoms. They are bronchodilators which open up the airways and oral corticosteroids which reduce inflammation. Relievers are used during an asthma attack to help you breathe easier.
• Preventers: These long-acting medicines control asthma symptoms and prevent attacks. They are inhaled corticosteroids which reduce inflammation in the airways and montelukast which prevents asthma symptoms. Using preventers as prescribed can reduce the frequency and severity of asthma flare-ups.

Asthma medicines can be delivered through various devices like inhalers, dry powder inhalers, fine spray inhalers and nebulizers. Make sure to use your asthma medicines as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist and follow a written asthma action plan. This plan will guide you on how to manage your asthma daily and what to do during an asthma emergency.

By knowing the different types of asthma and the treatments available you can take control of your asthma. Remember a well-managed asthma plan can help you live a healthy active life.

Living with Asthma

As a parent, you want to make sure your child’s asthma is well managed. Here’s what you can do:

• Create an Asthma Action Plan: Work with your healthcare provider to develop a personal plan that includes what medicines to use and when to seek help.
• Know the Triggers: Identify and reduce exposure to the things that trigger your child’s asthma, whether it’s pollen, pet hair or cold air.
• Regular Checkups: Have regular doctor visits to monitor the asthma and adjust treatment as needed.
• Educate the School: Tell the school about your child’s asthma, give them an action plan and make sure the school has access to their reliever medicine.

Asthma Resources and Support

If you need more information or support on asthma the following are useful:

• Asthma Australia has educational materials, support and research updates on managing asthma. They have great resources for families with asthma. https://www.asthma.org.au
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-respiratory-conditions/asthma
• Allens Training have free asthma charts https://allenstraining-staging.spicyweb.net.au/resources/first-aid-charts-manuals that will guide you through the process of an asthma emergency. You can download these charts from their website or contact their office to request a physical copy.

Asthma Thunderstorm Warnings

Health authorities issue thunderstorm asthma warnings during high-risk periods. People at risk are advised to stay indoors with windows and doors closed during thunderstorms, especially during the gusty winds before the storm hits. Having a well-managed Asthma Action Plan and carrying reliever medication will also help manage symptoms.

For thunderstorm asthma updates people should monitor local forecasts and use the VicEmergency app during grass pollen season.

https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/prepare/#thunderstorm-asthma-forecast

Get Trained in Asthma First Aid

At Allens Training, we offer first aid courses that will teach you how to manage asthma emergencies with confidence. Whether you’re a parent who wants to learn how to control asthma symptoms or manage asthma attacks, we have courses tailored to your needs. Contact us today on 1300 559 064 to book a session or attend one of our upcoming public courses.

Course Set - CPR, Asthma & Anaphylaxis

The course set comprising HLTAID009, 22556VIC, and 22578VIC is designed to provide individuals with vital skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Course Set - Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting, Asthma & Anaphylaxis

The course set comprising HLTAID012, 22556VIC, and 22578VIC is designed to equip individuals with comprehensive first aid skills.

Course Set - First Aid, Asthma & Anaphylaxis

The course set covering HLTAID011, 22556VIC, and 22578VIC is designed to provide individuals with essential first aid skills.

Course in the Management of Asthma Risks and Emergencies in the Workplace

The Course in the Management of Asthma Risks and Emergencies in the Workplace (22556VIC) is a nationally recognised training.