Asthma

An overview of asthma

A brief overview of the definition and prevalence of asthma.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a disease of the airways in the lungs. Asthma symptoms include:

• wheezing
• coughing
• chest tightness
• shortness of breath

If you experience these symptoms more than two times a week or need to use your reliever puffer more than three times a week it might mean that your asthma is poorly controlled.

Taking control of your asthma

Asthma isn’t only a problem when your symptoms get worse - by working with your doctor to manage your asthma and following your personal written asthma action plan:

• you can reduce or be free of asthma symptoms
• your health and lifestyle will benefit
• you will be in control of your asthma

Most people can manage their asthma well. The more you learn about your asthma the better you can manage it by:

• following a personal written asthma action plan developed with your doctor
• taking asthma medications as advised by your doctor even when you are well
• finding out what triggers your asthma and avoiding these triggers where possible
• seeing your doctor for regular check-ups to monitor and control your asthma

Even when you are well, you should see your doctor regularly so that they can review your asthma and change your medication if necessary. Signs that your asthma may be getting worse include:

• more frequent and more severe symptoms, especially waking at night
• needing to use your reliever medication more often
• your reliever medication may not work as well

What is a written asthma action plan?

Taking in to account your own level of asthma and your current asthma medications, your doctor will work with you to develop a personalised written asthma action plan. This will help you to recognise if your asthma is getting worse and to monitor your medication according to your doctor’s instructions.

Your written asthma action plan should be kept somewhere in your home where you can refer to it easily if you notice any change in your asthma symptoms.

To get a written asthma action plan ask your doctor about the Asthma Cycle of Care.

What is the Asthma Cycle of Care?

The Asthma Cycle of Care has been developed by respiratory physicians and general practitioners and is based on the latest knowledge about how to treat asthma most effectively.

The Asthma Cycle of Care involves at least two visits to a GP over a period of up to 12 months. During these visits your doctor will:

• fully assess your level of asthma
• develop a written asthma action plan for you to follow
• provide you with information and education on managing your asthma
• review how well your medications are working

Who can use an Asthma Cycle of Care?

The Asthma Cycle of Care is specifically designed for people with moderate to severe asthma or for people whose asthma is poorly controlled.

As a guide, people who have moderate to severe asthma or poorly controlled asthma will:

• wheeze or cough on most days or at night
• have frequent asthma attacks
• use a reliever medication more than three times per week
• use preventer medications or
• have attended or been admitted to hospital due to their asthma

How will this help me?

The Asthma Cycle of Care provides you and your doctor with a framework for ongoing care and regular review of your asthma.

Completing an Asthma Cycle of Care and/or developing a written asthma action plan with your doctor will help you to gain control of your asthma and stay symptom free.

Research has shown that people who learn and understand more about their asthma, see their doctor regularly, have their own written asthma action plan and take their medications correctly, will feel well and have:

• better controlled asthma;
• fewer symptoms;
• fewer asthma attacks;
• fewer days off school/work due to asthma;
• fewer hospital visits due to asthma; and
• an overall better quality of life.

References

Written Asthma Action Plan (PDF 64 KB)
Written Asthma Action Plan (Word 350 KB)