Asthma advice

With summer on its way, now is the time to ensure your child's asthma is well controlled so they can stay safe during any extreme weather events.

You and your child can breathe better in extreme weather by doing the following:

1. Take your preventer medicine every day, even when well. Preventer medicine can take time to take effect, so it’s important to take your preventer regularly. 
2. Ensure you have in date reliever medicine and keep this on hand. Make sure there is enough medicine in your reliever too by checking the dose counter.
3. Follow your written Asthma Action Plan. If you don’t have a written Asthma Action Plan, visit your doctor to have one completed.
4. Learn the four steps for Asthma First Aid and what to do in an asthma emergency.  
5. Where possible during extreme weather events, stay indoors with windows closed, put your air conditioning in recirculation mode or turn on an air purifier, and avoid exercise. When going outside in smoky conditions, make sure you wear a N95 or P100 face mask.
6. Keep up to date with emergency service alerts and advice in your local area.

If you experience any asthma symptoms and these persist, follow your Asthma Action Plan and seek medical care or call emergency services on 000 (Triple Zero).

If you would like to learn more about asthma management and how to stay safe during unexpected weather events, call 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462).