Asthma Patient Information Leaflet

What is Asthma?

• Asthma is caused by inflammation and oversensitivity of the lungs which can lead to sudden narrowing of the airways
• It is a common condition affecting around 1 in 20 adults and can range from mild to severe.

What are the symptoms of Asthma?

Typical symptoms include

• Wheeze
• Cough
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath

The symptoms may vary from a mild cough to severe life threatening shortness of breath

Who gets asthma?

• Asthma can start at any age but it most commonly starts in childhood.
• Approximately 1 in 10 children and 1 in 20 adults have asthma.
• A family history of asthma may increase your chances of developing this condition

What are the common triggers for 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)

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).

What are the treatments for asthma?

• Asthma is usually treated with inhalers which deliver medication directly into the lungs.
• They are often more effective if used with a spacer device.
• Oral medications may also be used.
• The treatment is categorised into Preventers (stopping you from getting asthma symptoms) and Relievers (treating asthma symptoms when present):

Relievers:

• These are taken to relieve symptoms when they occur. They help to open up the airways and are also called bronchodilators
• If you have mild asthma then this may be the only treatment you require.
• If you are need to take your reliever inhaler more than three times a week, then you may require treatment with a preventer inhaler.

Preventers:

• These are taken regularly to prevent symptoms of asthma.

Steroid inhalers

• The most commonly used preventer is a steroid which works by reducing the inflammation in the airways.
• It may take up to 2 weeks for the steroid to build up their effect.
• They should be taken regularly to control your asthma.
• You should always rinse your mouth after taking your steroid inhaler.
• Long term use of steroid inhalers can cause low bone density.

Long acting bronchodilators

• These relieve symptoms for up to 12 hours after each dose has been taken.
• A long-acting bronchodilator may be needed if symptoms are not fully controlled by the steroid inhaler alone.

Combination medications

• Some inhalers may contain both steroid and long acting bronchodilators.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists

• These block the effect of chemicals called leukotrienes which trigger asthma symptoms.
• This medication needs to be taken regularly to prevent asthma.

Steroid tablets

• A short course of steroid tablets (such as prednisolone) can be used for a severe asthma symptoms.
• Short courses of steroid tablets (for a 5-7 days) usually work very well and are unlikely to cause any significant side effects.

If your asthma remains poorly controlled then your doctor may refer you to a specialist for further assessment and management.

Asthma Action plans

• An asthma action plan is a plan agreed by you with your doctor or nurse.
• The plan enables you to adjust the dose of your inhalers, depending on your symptoms and/or peak flow readings.It is tailored to individual circumstances.  
• Research studies suggest that people who have a personal asthma action plan find it easier to manage their asthma.

Influenza vaccination

• You should have an influenza immunisation (the flu jab) every autumn if you suffer from asthma.

Repeat prescriptions for your ongoing asthma treatment are available at qoctor.com.au

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