Spring asthma season: doctors urge Australians to review their asthma medication
Rising cost-of-living pressures are leading Australians to delay or skip medication, prompting doctors to urge people with asthma to update their medication and asthma action plans ahead of spring.
Key points
2.8 million Australians live with asthma and many may not have the right medication for spring.
Current Australian asthma guidelines recommend inhaled corticosteroids rather than relying solely on blue reliever inhalers.
Cost-of-living pressures are causing some Australians to delay, skip or reuse asthma medication.
People with asthma should review their medication and asthma action plan with their GP before spring.
Higher pollen levels, thunderstorms and strong winds can increase the risk of asthma flare-ups and attacks.
With research suggesting more than half of Australians have taken old medication, delayed treatment or not filled a prescription due to cost-of-living pressures, doctors are encouraging people living with asthma to make sure their medication and asthma action plan are up to date before the spring asthma season.
What is the recommended asthma treatment in Australia?
Current Australian asthma guidelines recommend a move away from relying solely on traditional blue reliever inhalers and towards inhaled corticosteroid treatment to reduce the risk of serious asthma flare-ups and attacks.
Despite this change, there are concerns many of the 2.8 million Australians living with asthma may not have reviewed their asthma medication or management plan ahead of spring.
Dr Jonathan Brown, Medical Director of Bupa Medical, said many Australians only think about asthma when symptoms appear.
"Asthma flare-ups can happen quickly due to spikes in pollen during thunderstorms and high winds, so being prepared is essential."
What are the warning signs that asthma is not well controlled?
Using a blue reliever inhaler more than twice a week may be a sign that asthma is not well controlled.
Other warning signs can include frequent symptoms, disrupted sleep, coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should speak with their GP about whether their medication or asthma action plan needs updating.
Why is spring a high-risk season for asthma?
Spring can be particularly challenging for people living with asthma because increased pollen levels, strong winds and thunderstorms can trigger symptoms and asthma attacks.
Reviewing asthma medication before spring can help reduce the risk of flare-ups and emergency presentations.
What is thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma occurs when storms combine with high pollen levels, causing pollen particles to break into smaller fragments that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
People living with asthma should ensure their medication is up to date and that they have an asthma action plan before the spring season.
How is the cost of living affecting asthma management?
Cost-of-living pressures are leading some Australians to delay filling prescriptions, use expired medication or put off healthcare appointments.
Research commissioned by Bupa found cost is the number one barrier preventing Australians from maintaining their health and wellbeing, ahead of time pressures and complacency.
Delaying or skipping asthma medication can increase the risk of serious health consequences, particularly during spring when asthma triggers become more common.
Anyone who has delayed filling a prescription, used expired medication or has not reviewed their asthma management recently should book an appointment with their GP.
What should you do if asthma symptoms get worse?
People experiencing worsening asthma symptoms should follow their asthma action plan and seek medical advice when required.
The right treatment and preparation can help prevent symptoms from escalating and may reduce the likelihood of emergency care being needed.
Where can I get asthma support after hours?
Several healthcare services are available when medical support is needed outside normal GP clinic hours.
Options may include Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and telehealth services such as 24/7 online doctors for non-emergency medical advice and treatment.
Knowing what services are available before symptoms worsen can help people access the right care at the right time.
Through Blua, eligible Bupa Health Insurance customers can arrange to speak to a doctor 24/7, with 100% of appointment fees covered for up to three or six appointments per person each year, depending on their level of cover.
