Breathing Easy: A Guide to Understanding and Managing Asthma

What is Asthma?

Think of the airways in your lungs as a network of tubes that carry air in and out. When you have asthma, these airways can become inflamed and narrow, making it harder for air to flow freely.

This can lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and a tightness in your chest. It’s a long-term health condition, but we’ve done the research so that you can breathe easy in the knowledge you have everything under control.

“You can ask your pharmacist for advice about asthma at any point in your journey”, Shylie says. “We can help you understand the condition and work together to recognise and respond to changes in your symptoms.”

Signs and Symptoms

Asthma symptoms can be different for everyone, and they can come and go. They often get worse at night or early in the morning, and can be triggered by things like infections, exercise and cold air.

Common signs to be alert for:

• Wheezing: A high-pitched, whistling sound when you breathe out
• Coughing: Especially a persistent cough that happens at the beginning or end of the day
• Shortness of breath: Finding it hard to catch your breath
• Chest tightness: A feeling of pressure or a heavy band around your chest

To help with a diagnosis, if you think a family member might have asthma, keeping a diary of their symptoms can be a really useful tool to take to the doctor.

Asthma can develop later in life

Many of us associate asthma with childhood, but it can actually make its first appearance at any age, so it is important to stay vigilant if you begin to feel the above symptoms.

There is a clear link between asthma and hay fever, and many people with asthma also have allergic rhinitis, the fancier way of saying hay fever. The same allergens that trigger your hay fever symptoms, like pollen or dust mites, can also cause asthma symptoms.

What to do if you suspect asthma

If you're concerned yourself or a loved one may have asthma, the first thing to do is make an appointment with your GP. During your visit, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms (that diary will come in handy!) and medical history. You may also be asked to perform a simple breathing test called a spirometry test, where you blow into a tube to measure your lung function.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your GP will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan to manage your asthma.

Treatment and your Asthma Action Plan

With the right treatment, asthma will not stop you living an active and healthy life. The most common treatments include inhalers and two main types of medication:

• Long-term control medications: These are often taken daily to reduce inflammation in your airways and prevent attacks before they start
• Quick-relief medications: These are for rapid, short-term symptom relief during an asthma flare-up.

One of the most effective things you can do to manage your asthma is create a written asthma action plan with your doctor. With clear instructions on when to take your medications and what to do if your symptoms worsen, you will be feeling in control and ready to take on the world.

“We will make sure you are getting the best out of your medications and can talk with you and your family about identifying your triggers and managing them”, Shylie says. “We are strong advocates of correct inhaler technique and never too busy to recommend using a spacer to maximise the effectiveness of your inhalers. From a quick check in to a sit down consultation, your local pharmacists are more than happy to be part of your asthma action plan.”

The importance of prevention

Preventing asthma attacks starts with knowing your triggers and how best to avoid them.

Common triggers include:

• Pollen, dust mites, and shedding pets
• Smoke of any kind
• Cold or dry air
• Colds and the flu

Our Friendly Tip: Getting regular exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs, which helps relieve asthma symptoms. Activities like swimming are often great because the warm, moist air around the pool can be less irritating.

Get vaccinated and stay protected

For people with asthma, respiratory infections like the flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), whooping cough, and pneumococcal disease can be particularly serious. Vaccinations are one of your best defences against these viruses, with the ideal time to ensure you’re protected is before winter hits.

For more information, speak to your local Health Partners participating pharmacist or visit the Asthma Australia website here.

¹ https://asthma.org.au/what-is-asthma/

*20% Discount applies on the pharmacies full item price of most non-prescription products on presentation of Health Partners membership card for members with extras products, but excludes agency items (e.g. X-Lotto), selected franchise brands (e.g Chanel) and schedule 3 recordable medicines. Discount only available at Health Partners participating pharmacies. Pharmacies may choose, at their discretion, to apply the discount to items already discounted. Price matched items are considered to be discounted. Unlimited use. Conditions are in accordance with agreements held with our Health Partners participating pharmacies, which may change from time to time.

Health Partners doesn’t cover any consultation fees that may be associated with the services mentioned in this article. The information contained here is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal medical situation. The information is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or used for therapeutic purposes. Should you require specific medical information, please seek advice from your healthcare practitioner. Health Partners does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can't guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren't specifically endorsing them and can't accept responsibility for them.