Do you suffer from asthma?
From September 1-7, people around Australia will be gathering together to raise awareness for Asthma Awareness Week.
Around 60 percent of Australians are affected by asthma, so it’s important that people are aware of what exactly the condition is and the risks involved.
Here’s all you need to know about Asthma Awareness Week.
What is Asthma Awareness Week?
Organised by Asthma Australia, Asthma Awareness Week is all about busting myths surrounding asthma.
Their aim is to let everyone in the community know about the condition, how to keep it under control and how to prevent it.
Activities will be organised throughout each State to highlight ways in which people can manage their asthma and its symptoms.
What are some of these myths?
There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding asthma and how to prevent it.
For instance, one in three people don’t regard asthma as a life-threatening condition, but in actual fact, it is. More than 400 people die each year as a result of asthma.
Asthma can develop at any stage in life and many people will never grow out of it.
Thankfully, asthma can be managed by medication.
Asthma checklist
For those suffering from asthma, here is a quick checklist to keep it under control:
- Remain active and healthy: It’s important to be active and have a healthy weight. Refrain from smoking so that you can keep your lungs healthy
- Look out for symptoms: Are you suffering from coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or a tight chest? These might be symptoms of asthma, so consult your doctor.
- Find out what triggers you: There are many triggers, such as pollen, that could lead to your lungs becoming inflamed. So, find out what they are and try to avoid them.
- Know your medication: There are many medications that can help maintain control over asthma including those that prevent attacks and those that ease symptoms.
- Have an action plan: It’s important for people suffering from asthma to have an action plan in place. It can help you recognise worsening symptoms and identify when to seek medical attention. The plan should be reviewed by your doctor each year.
- Understand asthma first aid: Don’t wait until you’re suffering from severe asthma before you use your reliever. Call an ambulance and have someone close to you know how to do CPR.
