Asthma is a long-term condition that affects 1 in 9 Australians. While there is currently no cure, most people with asthma can lead full, active lives with good management and support. Sadly, more than 400 Australians die from asthma each year, many from preventable flare-ups.
This World Asthma Day, Kardinia Health is joining Asthma Australia to raise awareness about asthma management and highlight this year’s campaign: Smarter Oral Steroid – Towards the Responsible Use in Asthma Care.
What is asthma?
Asthma causes your airways to become inflamed, swollen, or filled with mucus when triggered, making it harder to breathe. You may feel like you’re breathing through a straw or narrow tube.
Common airway changes during an asthma episode include:
- Swelling and thickening of the airway walls
- Excess mucus production
- Tightening of airway muscles
Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary depending on the person and the trigger.
Understanding your asthma type
Identifying your asthma type helps your GP tailor your most effective asthma management plan. Types of asthma include:
- Allergic asthma (pollen, dust, mould, food)
- Non-allergic asthma
- Exercise-induced asthma
- Thunderstorm or seasonal asthma
- Occupational asthma (workplace triggers)
- Aspirin-exacerbated asthma
- Childhood or adult-onset asthma
- Nocturnal asthma
- Mild asthma (few symptoms, no flare-ups)
- Severe asthma (persistent symptoms despite maximum treatment)
World Asthma Day 2025: Smarter Oral Steroids
This year’s campaign from Asthma Australia focuses on empowering people with asthma to make informed decisions about oral corticosteroids. These medications can be lifesaving during flare-ups, but regular or prolonged use can lead to serious side effects.
With the right asthma management, you can reduce your need for oral steroids and avoid unnecessary health risks.
Learn more about the campaign here: Smarter Oral Steroids
How Kardinia Health can help with asthma management
Managing asthma may feel overwhelming at times, but with the right support and strategies, you can take control of your symptoms. At Kardinia Health, we offer comprehensive asthma management services, including spirometry testing. This diagnostic tool is invaluable for initially diagnosing and monitoring conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Our team of GPs are here to help you stay on top of your asthma with practical, evidence-based care.
Here are the six recommended key steps to managing your asthma:
Regular asthma reviews
Book an asthma check-up with your GP every 6–12 months or more often if your treatment changes or you experience flare-ups.
Get a written Asthma Action Plan
An Asthma Action Plan outlines the steps for managing your asthma daily and what to do in a flare-up.
Take your preventer daily
Preventers reduce inflammation and lower the chance of future symptoms.
Monitor your asthma control
Track symptoms regularly and discuss changes with your GP. Triggers like pollen, cold weather, and viruses can make symptoms worse.
Use a spacer and check inhaler technique
Using a spacer with puffers helps medicine reach your lungs effectively. Your GP or pharmacist can check your technique.
Learn asthma first aid
Knowing what to do in an emergency could save a life. Keep updated asthma first aid instructions at home and work.
Book your asthma review at Kardinia Health
Our team of GPs and allied health professionals is here to support you with personalised asthma management and care.
If it’s been a while since your last asthma review, or you’re unsure if your symptoms are under control, now is the perfect time to book an appointment.
To make an appointment, contact Kardinia Health Medical Centre on (03) 52029333 or book online through the website.
