Asthma is a common but often under-treated condition. The updated National Asthma Council Australia Handbook, launched just two weeks ago, now makes managing asthma easier – especially for adolescents and adults – by reducing the number of puffers needed.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways.
For some people, inflammation is intermittent.
For others, it is ongoing and persistent.
In 2022, 1 in 9 Australians (2.2 million people) were living with asthma. Alarmingly, around half did not have their condition under good control, often relying only on the blue “reliever” puffer, Ventolin (salbutamol).
The consequences are serious:
31,000 hospital admissions for asthma (2022–23)
97,000 emergency department visits
474 deaths in 2023 – almost half in women over 75
90% of asthma deaths are considered preventable
The Problem With the Blue Puffer
Ventolin provides immediate relief but does not treat underlying airway inflammation.
Using 3 or more canisters per year increases the risk of severe asthma flare-ups.
Using 12 or more canisters per year greatly increases the risk of death from asthma.
If you are relying on Ventolin alone, or your symptoms remain poorly controlled, it’s important to see your GP.
Signs of Poor Symptom Control
Daytime symptoms more than twice a week
Any limitation of normal activities
Night-time waking due to asthma
Need for Ventolin more than twice a week.
How Your GP Can Help
Your GP will:
- Review your overall health
- Identify possible triggers (e.g. viruses, cigarette/vape smoke, dust mites, mould, pollen, pets, gas heaters, car pollution, bushfire smoke)
- Follow the latest Asthma Guidelines, which now allow treatment of airway inflammation and narrowing with a single inhaler
New Treatment Options
Instead of juggling multiple devices, patients can now use one combined inhaler that includes:
- Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) – reduces airway inflammation
- Long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) – works as quickly as Ventolin but with longer-lasting relief
An example is Symbicort, with more products expected soon. This simplifies treatment and makes asthma easier to manage.
Everyone Has a Role
Reducing asthma deaths and minimising emergency visits requires a community-wide effort:
- Doctors to follow evidence-based guidelines
- Pharmacists to support safe use of puffers
- Individuals and families to recognise poor control and seek help early
Together, we can reduce the burden of asthma and help people live healthier, safer lives.
