Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of Australians, causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways that carry oxygen to and from your lungs. When asthma symptoms occur, the muscles around the airways tighten, the lining becomes swollen and inflamed, and thick mucus is produced, making breathing difficult.
Common asthma triggers include dust mites, pollen, pet dander, smoke, cold air, exercise, and stress. Symptoms typically involve wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and persistent coughing, particularly at night or early morning.
There are several types of asthma recognised in Australia:
Proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional and developing an asthma action plan are essential for effective management and maintaining quality of life.
Reliever medications, also known as rescue inhalers, provide rapid relief during asthma symptoms or attacks. These quick-acting bronchodilators should be used when experiencing breathing difficulties, chest tightness, or wheezing, and are essential for every person with asthma to carry at all times.
The most commonly prescribed reliever medications available through Australian pharmacies include:
These medications work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing them to open wider and making breathing easier within minutes. Proper inhaler technique is crucial for effectiveness - shake the inhaler, breathe out fully, place lips around the mouthpiece, and inhale slowly and deeply whilst pressing down on the canister.
Store inhalers at room temperature and seek emergency medical attention if relief isn't achieved or symptoms worsen rapidly.
Daily preventer therapy forms the cornerstone of effective asthma management, helping to reduce airway inflammation and prevent symptoms before they occur. These medications are essential for maintaining long-term asthma control and should be used consistently, even when you're feeling well.
Several corticosteroid inhalers are available through Australian pharmacies to help manage your asthma:
Combination inhalers provide both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects in one device. Popular options include Seretide (fluticasone plus salmeterol) and Symbicort (budesonide plus formoterol). These combination therapies can improve compliance whilst providing comprehensive asthma control. Remember, consistent daily use is crucial for achieving the long-term benefits of preventer medications and maintaining optimal asthma management.
Proper medication delivery is crucial for effective asthma management. Various devices and accessories can significantly improve your inhaler technique and medication absorption.
Spacer devices are invaluable tools that attach to your metered-dose inhaler (MDI), allowing more medication to reach your lungs whilst reducing side effects. They're particularly beneficial for children and elderly patients who may struggle with inhaler coordination.
Different inhaler types serve various needs:
Peak flow metres help monitor your lung function at home, providing early warning of deteriorating asthma. Regular inhaler cleaning and proper storage are essential, especially when travelling. Always carry spare inhalers and ensure medications remain within appropriate temperature ranges during Australian summer conditions.
A written asthma action plan is essential for effective asthma management and should be developed in partnership with your GP or respiratory specialist. This personalised document outlines your daily medications, identifies your asthma triggers, and provides clear instructions on what to do when symptoms worsen.
Regular communication with your healthcare team ensures your treatment remains optimal. Learning to recognise early warning signs of deteriorating asthma—such as increased cough, shortness of breath, or reduced peak flow readings—enables prompt intervention. Your action plan will detail step-up therapy for worsening symptoms and step-down approaches when asthma is well-controlled.
Medication reviews should occur at least annually or whenever your asthma control changes. Your pharmacist can help monitor your inhaler technique, track medication usage patterns, and identify when adjustments may be needed to maintain optimal asthma control.
Successful asthma management extends beyond medication to encompass lifestyle modifications that reduce exposure to triggers. Regular exercise is beneficial for people with asthma, but should be undertaken with proper preparation including warm-up routines and having reliever medication readily available.
Different seasons present unique challenges, from pollen in spring to cold air in winter. Staying informed about pollen forecasts and air quality can help you prepare accordingly.
Consult your pharmacist for medication reviews and inhaler technique checks, or see your doctor if you're using reliever medication more than twice weekly or experiencing night-time symptoms.
