Asthma week

2.7 million people in Australia are living with asthma - that's 1 in 9 people!

Asthma is a common condition where the small air passages to the lungs are narrowed. This is caused by swelling, thickening mucus in the airways and muscles tightening. It can feel like you are breathing through a thin straw.

Asthma flare-ups, or attacks, happen when people with asthma are exposed to 'asthma triggers'. Some of these include windy or cold weather (including sudden weather changes), pollution, cigarette smoke or allergens.

Due to how quickly asthma flare-ups can occur it is important you have a current asthma plan with your doctor, and that the school has a copy of it. In some cases, children are required to take a 'preventer' in the mornings to decrease the occurrence of flare-ups. It is important that whatever the doctor has stipulated in your child's asthma plan is followed.

If you child does have asthma please ensure a copy of your child's asthma plan, filled out, signed and stamped by your doctor, has been provided to the office along with any medication they need to take in the event of a flare up.

For more information visit https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/conditionsandtreatments/asthma