WHAT IS ASTHMA?
People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs.
When they are exposed to certain triggers, their airways narrow making it hard to breathe.

What are the main symptoms of asthma?
Wheezing - a high pitched raspy sound or whistle when breathing.
Tightness in the chest.  
Shortness of breath
Coughing

WHAT TRIGGERS ASTHMA SYMPTOMS ?

Asthma triggers also vary between people, the most common triggers are listed below.
Colds and Flu (especially in children)
Exercise (this can be managed)
Pollens, moulds and grasses
Animal hair and dander (skin flakes)
Dust mites
Cigarette smoke
Changes in air temperature and weather
Certain drugs (e.g. aspirin and some blood pressure medications)
Some chemicals, strong smells and aerosol sprays (e.g. perfume)
Some foods and food preservatives, flavourings and colourings
Some occupations (e.g. dusty work environment)
Some emotions (e.g. stress)

Recognising an asthma attack.
An asthma attack can take anything from a few minutes to a few days to develop.
During an asthma attack coughing, wheezing or breathlessness can quickly worsen.
If this happens, follow the four step Asthma First Aid Plan.
ASTHMA FIRST AID PLAN

Sit the person upright and give reassurance. Don't leave them alone.
Without delay give 4 separate puffs of reliever (Airomir, Asmol, Epaq or Ventolin). The medication is best given one puff at a time via a spacer device*.
Ask the person to take 4 breaths from the spacer after each puff of medication.
*Just use the puffer on its own if you don't have a spacer.
Wait 4 minutes
If there is little or no improvement, repeat step 2 and 3.
If there is still little or no improvement,call an ambulance immediately.

 Continuously repeat steps 2 and 3 while waiting for the ambulance.
ASTHMA FACTS

It is estimated that almost 2 million people in Australia have asthma.
Up to 1 in 4 children, 1 in 7 adolescents and 1 in 10 adults will experience symptoms consistent with asthma at some time in their lives.
The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland have the highest prevalence of asthma in the world. The prevalence of asthma appears to be highest in English speaking countries.
Asthma has increased in recent years. The prevalence of asthma in NSW school children doubled in the period between 1982 – 1992.

The cause of asthma is unknown. However, a number of factors have been identified which either increase the risk of, or are protective against asthma. Research is needed to explore these associations further.

Asthma is one of the leading causes of childhood admission to hospital and absenteeism from school and work.
Asthma ranks among the 10 most common reasons for seeing a GP.
In 1992, the cost of asthma to the Australian community was estimated to be between $585-$720 million per annum. This includes direct medical related costs as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity.

The estimated annual cost to a family with one child with asthma who has been admitted to hospital in previous 12 months is $884 and an average of 153 hours are spent obtaining treatment.
In 2001, 422 people in Australia including 141 people in NSW died from asthma. The death rate from asthma is now decreasing in proportion to the increasing prevalence of the disease.

Although there is no cure for asthma, illness and death associated with asthma can be reduced with proper diagnosis, medical management and education.
Most people with asthma lead a normal life and can participate competitively in sport. Many of our leading sportsmen and women have asthma.


Risk factors
Protective factors
Family history of asthma or other allergic conditions
Breastfeeding for greater than 6 months
Parental smoking Having more than 4 older siblings
A major respiratory infection during the first two years of life Living in village communities
Exposure to domestic allergens  

Is your school an Asthma Friendly School?
An Asthma Friendly School is one that adopts and works towards strategies that actively support the whole school community in the management of asthma.
To check if your school has been registered in the Asthma Friendly Schools Program call 1800 645 130.

 * Information courtesy of The Asthma Foundation of NSW
2/100 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065  Phone:1 800 645 130 (Toll Free)

For further detailed information please contact The Asthma Foundation of NSW direct
or visit their Website at: www.asthmansw.org.au