What is Asthma? Asthma is a common, long term medical condition that affects the airways (the breathing tubes that carry air into the lungs), causing them to become narrowed and inflamed. Around 1 in 20 people are affected by Asthma, including adults and children. People with Asthma sometimes find it harder to breathe in and out, because their airways become narrower or constricted. They also may produce more mucus. This can lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing ( a whistling sound when breathing out), shortness of breath and a sense of chest tightness. These symptoms may be worse at night, leading to difficulty sleeping. Asthma may be triggered by different things in different people, such as viral infections, exercise, dust, pollen, cold air, animal dander, fumes or chemicals. It is not clear why some people develop Asthma and others don't, but some factors that increase the risk of getting Asthma include: family history of Asthma being born premature or low birth weight if your mother smoked during pregnancy exposure to air pollution or smoke in childhood There is no cure for Asthma, but it can usually be well controlled with the right treatment and action plan. Most people with Asthma can stay active and lead a normal, healthy life. For good control of Asthma, you need: inhalers – taken in the right way, at the right time regular check-ups with your doctor, particularly if you have worsening symptoms information about managing asthma correctly an asthma action plan, so you know exactly what to do when symptoms flare up. Severe Asthma Severe Asthma attacks can be dangerous- even life-threatening, and if you have symptoms of severe Asthma you should seek immediate medical attention, as well as taking your reliever inhaler. Having an Asthma action plan means you'll know what to do if severe Asthma occurs. Signs of an Asthma emergency include: Rapid worsening of shortness of breath and wheezing No improvement in symptoms, even after using your "reliever" inhaler (for most people this is a "blue puffer", also known as Ventolin or Salbutamol. Shortness of breath on minimal physical exertion The doctors at Qoctor can provide assessment for Asthma, in people whose Asthma is stable and controlled, and who wish to request ongoing treatment. Following a video consultation, if a prescription is issued, it can be sent to your local pharmacy, or you can have the medication delivered. Start HERE to request an assessment. Further asthma resources: https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/ asthma.org.au Royal Children's Hospital

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children. Asthma can start at any age but it most commonly starts in childhood. Approximately 1 in 10 Australians have Asthma. People with a family history of Asthma or allergies may be at higher risk of developing Asthma. Asthma is also more common in people who were born premature, had low birth weight or whose mother smoked during pregnancy. Exposure to smoke or air pollution in childhood also increases the risk of Asthma. Indigenous Australians were 1.6 times more likely than the rest of the population to report having Asthma, in recent studies . Asthma more commonly affects boys in childhood, but tends to affect more females later in adulthood.

Migraine is a common cause of headache, affecting around 1 in 5 Australians But it’s more than just a headache- there are particular criteria needed to make the diagnosis, so it's important to see a doctor to be certain Common symptoms include a recurring severe throbbing headache that lasts between 4 and 72 hours. It tends to involve one side of the head (though it can involve the entire head) and is often made worse by movement or routine daily activities. Nausea, vomiting, and an aversion to light (photophobia) or sound (phonophobia) are common symptoms, and some people also get an “aura” before the headache starts Migrainous headaches may vary in severity, frequency and can have a major impact on daily life

FAQs Archive

Is there a delay returning to fertility when you stop taking the Mini Pill (POP)?

No, if you wish to become pregnant, there is little or no delay to return to fertility when you stop taking the progesterone only pill.

The Mini Pill (POP)|

What is Asthma?

What is Asthma? Asthma is a common, long term medical condition that affects the airways (the breathing tubes that carry air into the lungs), causing them to become narrowed and inflamed. Around 1 in 20 people are affected by Asthma, including adults and children. People with Asthma sometimes find it harder to breathe in and [...]

Asthma|

What are the symptoms of Asthma?

The main 4 symptoms of Asthma are: cough wheeze (a high-pitched, whistling sound when breathing out- this is a common feature of Asthma in children) chest tightness difficulty breathing/ shortness of breath Asthma is often worse at night, which can lead to poor sleep and tiredness. Asthma symptoms are commonly brought on by specific triggers, [...]

Asthma|

Who gets Asthma?

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children. Asthma can start at any age but it most commonly starts in childhood. Approximately 1 in 10 Australians have Asthma. People with a family history of Asthma or allergies may be at higher risk of developing Asthma. Asthma is also more common in people who were [...]

Asthma|

What are the common triggers of Asthma?

Asthma symptoms may flare up at any time. Common triggers for Asthma include: Infections Hay fever/pollen Exercise Smoking Allergies to animals House dust mite exposure Fumes or chemicals Medications including: Aspirin Anti-inflammatories (e.g Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) Beta-blockers (e.g Propranolol, Atenolol)

Asthma|

How is Asthma diagnosed?

Your doctor can usually diagnose Asthma based on the history of your symptoms and by performing a physical examination. Usually no tests are required but further tests can be arranged if required. These include peak flow assessment or spirometry (lung function testing).

Asthma|

What is the treatment for Asthma?

Asthma is usually treated with inhalers which deliver medication directly into the lungs. Inhalers are often more effective if used with a spacer device, though some have an in-built delivery system and a spacer is not needed- it’s worth checking with a pharmacist if you’re unsure.. An oral medications may also be used as a [...]

Asthma|

What is Migraine?

Migraine is a common cause of headache, affecting around 1 in 5 Australians But it’s more than just a headache- there are particular criteria needed to make the diagnosis, so it's important to see a doctor to be certain Common symptoms include a recurring severe throbbing headache that lasts between 4 and 72 hours. It [...]

Migraine|

What causes Migraine?

The cause is not entirely clear. However, a common theory is that blood vessels in parts of the brain become narrower (go into spasm) which causes the aura. The blood vessels are then thought to open wide (dilate) soon afterwards, which accounts for the headache. There may also be a genetic factor involved as it [...]

Migraine|

How is Migraine diagnosed?

The diagnosis is usually made by a doctor on the basis of typical symptoms and clinical examination. There are no specific tests Further investigations such as a brain scan and blood tests may be organised to rule out other causes. The diagnostic criteria for classical migraine are: (A) at least 5 attacks must have occurred [...]

Migraine|

Title