How does a Sensitive Choice product get approved? Products and services that are part of Sensitive Choice submit research, testing and evidence which is assessed and approved by an independent and voluntary panel of experts to determine their potential benefit to people with asthma and allergies. Find out more about the panel review process.
Dust storms and asthma
It’s important for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions to be prepared when dust storms are forecast in their area. High levels of dust can irritate the lungs and cause an asthma attack. The stress from a severe weather event can also cause anxiety which can trigger asthma symptoms. Things to remember Dust storms […]
Hot weather and your asthma and allergies
Everyone’s asthma or hay fever is different, so make sure you are well-prepared when the summer temperatures rise. Some people get asthma symptoms in hot humid air, while others are affected by hot dry air. Many people find extreme weather changes can trigger their asthma – especially when moving from a hot humid weather outside into a cool […]
Asthma and exercise
Having asthma doesn’t have to stop you playing sport, exercising or taking part in any other physical activity, whether it’s just for fun or competitively. Did you know a lot of great athletes have asthma? Sometimes people with asthma can get symptoms when they exercise, especially in dry or cold air, or without the right […]
Christmas trees and asthma
A Christmas tree allergy can not only cause wheezing, sneezing, coughing, and sore eyes, but can lead to a serious asthma attack. Real Christmas trees like Cypress and Pine trees can collect high amounts of pollen from other plants before they are cut down which can trigger asthma and hay fever symptoms once you bring […]
Cleaning hints
Allergies happen when a person’s immune system reacts to substances, called allergens, which are found all around us. All sorts of asthma and allergy triggers can gather in your home, especially house dust mites and mould. Avoiding allergens won’t cure your asthma, however reducing your triggers may improve your asthma control and reduce your need […]
Asthma and sleepovers
A new or unfamiliar environment could trigger your child’s asthma or allergies. Make sure your child’s asthma is well-managed before you consider whether staying the night at a friend’s place is right for your child, especially if they have never stayed there before. It is also important your child feels comfortable enough to ask for […]
Travelling & holidays
Travelling can be stress-free if you take a few precautions when it comes to your asthma, allergies or hay fever. Whether you’re travelling interstate or overseas, for work or holidays, it’s important to be prepared. Be prepared Visit your doctor before your trip to make sure your asthma and allergies are under control when you […]
Flooring for people with asthma and allergies
Carpet or no carpet? Timber or tiles? Vacuum or mop? Making decisions about the right flooring for your home can be tricky when you have asthma or allergies. Some sources say people with asthma and allergies should replace carpet with hard flooring, but this isn’t always the best option. Carpets can trap allergens in their […]
Bushfires and asthma
Bushfires can be a big risk for people with asthma. Smoke and ash can trigger asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, breathlessness, coughing or chest tightness, or even an asthma attack. Asthma management in the bushfire season People with asthma living in high-risk bushfire zones should be on high alert for asthma symptoms during bushfire season. […]
Pollen and hay fever
Plant pollen is a well-known trigger for hay fever and allergic conjunctivitis at certain times of the year, or even all year round. For the four out of five people with asthma who also have allergies, it is helpful to know which pollens can cause symptoms as some can be more easily avoided than others. […]
Thunderstorm Asthma
By the last weekend of September, you should be taking your hay fever nasal spray, asthma preventer, or both – and you shouldn’t stop until New Year’s Day (most adults with asthma do need to take a preventer all year, not just in springtime). What is thunderstorm asthma? Thunderstorm asthma can happen suddenly to people […]
Dust and dusting
People with asthma and allergies often assume they are allergic to household dust. However, it is not usually the dust itself that triggers common allergies, it is in fact all the other little particles that are found in amongst the dust. Commonly these include: human skin cells animal dander insect waste, including from house dust […]
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Pretty much every one has heard about VOCs, but what and where are they? There is no single definition for what constitutes a volatile organic compound (VOC), but it is safe to say that a VOC is a carbon-based organic compound that evaporates (or off-gases) at room temperature. VOCs are very common and may be […]
Mould
Download Factsheet (PDF, 273KB) Exposure to indoor and outdoor areas that are damp and have mould can trigger asthma symptoms in some people. Mould is commonly found in bathrooms and fridges. It’s also found in places with little air circulation such as walk-in and built-in wardrobes, and in bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. Common allergic triggers […]
Dust mites
House dust mites Everything you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask! What are house dust mites? House dust mites are arachnids (the same class of animal as spiders). They are very small creatures that live in household dust (often in bedding, furniture, fabrics, soft toys, clothing and carpets) feeding on dander (shed skin […]
Indoor humidity levels
Figure. Approximation of optimal temperature and humidity ranges for people with respiratory issues Indoor humidity levels in the home can play an important role in family health, particularly where asthma and/or allergies are present. Healthy humidity Relative humidity, expressed as a percent, measures the absolute humidity relative to the maximum amount of water vapour that […]
Breathing easier indoors
It can be difficult to control what gasses and pollution you are exposed to outside, but we can have a much greater influence over our indoor environment. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compounds that have a low boiling temperature which means they evaporate molecules at room temperature. Some VOCs occur naturally and not all are […]
Choosing a vacuum cleaner
Most households have a vacuum cleaner, but many people don’t know what features they should look for, or whether they could also benefit from other cleaning devices. This fact sheet highlights some of the things people with asthma and allergies should consider. Cleaning machines should effectively remove dirt and allergens such as dust mites and […]
Travel insurance
Download Factsheet Travel tips Whether for business or pleasure, thousands of Australians with asthma travel every year. People with asthma who travel interstate or overseas should consider taking out travel insurance, including cover for medical expenses. For people with asthma, including well-controlled asthma, their condition will often be described under travel insurance policies as ‘pre-existing […]
Healthy eating for asthma
Download Factsheet Why does your weight matter? Carrying a few extra kilos can make your asthma harder to manage – the more kilos, the harder it gets. Working towards your ideal bodyweight can help you get fewer symptoms and use less medication. Losing weight can also help you sleep better Inspired? Talk to your doctor […]
Food allergies
Download Factsheet Food and asthma Food is not a common trigger for asthma. In fact, foods, drinks and food chemicals affect fewer than 5% of people with asthma (fewer than 2% of adults and fewer than 5–6% of children). People with asthma should consume a varied and nutritious diet, including breads and cereals, fruits and […]
Bites & stings
What is an allergy? Allergy occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to substances in the environment that are usually harmless to most people. These substances are known as allergens. Examples of allergens include house dust mites, pollen, mould, and pet dander. What can trigger allergic reactions? We all find the itch of a mosquito […]
Influenza (the flu)
What is Influenza? Influenza, commonly known as ‘the flu’, is an illness caused when an influenza virus infects the respiratory tract – your nose and lungs. Influenza infection usually has different symptoms and causes a more severe illness than the common cold. It may be a life-threatening infection in certain people. Flu is a common […]
Air purifiers
Air purifiers can be effective in removing allergens and irritants from the air. These allergens and irritants can be broken into two broad categories: Particulate matter – particles include pollen, pet dander, mould spores and dust mite allergens. Smoke, gasses and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – including pollution and fragrances. There are a number of different […]
Summer cleaning helps reduce asthma and allergies
Summer cleaning can help reduce allergy and asthma triggers in your home, advises the National Asthma Council Australia, but it must be done with care to avoid triggering an asthma attack while dusting. Dirt, dust, mould and other allergens tend to collect over the winter months, leading to a potentially dangerous build-up of these common […]
Asthma at a glance
More than 2 million Australians have asthma – about 1 in 9 or 10 children and about 1 in 10 adults. Our rate is high compared to other countries. Fortunately the rate of asthma has declined in kids over the past decade, although it has remained stable in adults. More boys than girls have asthma, […]
Exercise & asthma
Download Factsheet Get active with asthma Don’t let your asthma stop you being physically active. Choose an activity you enjoy and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity every day or most days. Consider getting involved in structured exercise people with asthma who participate in physical training feel better. Having asthma […]
Colds & flu
Download Factsheet Asthma triggers Common colds are a common trigger of asthma flare-ups, particularly in children.And these viral infections are thought to be involved in around 4 out of 5 bad asthma attacks in kids. If asthma symptoms flare up when you get a cold or the flu, your lungs might not respond as quickly […]
Allergies at a glance
Allergy facts Australia has one of the highest incidences of allergy in the world. Of the over 2 million people in Australia who have asthma, about 80% of these have allergies like hayfever. Allergy may run in families. ‘Atopy’ is the genetic or inherited tendency to develop allergic diseases. Your doctor can help you identify […]
Smoking and asthma
Download Factsheet Smoking and asthma are a bad match. Smoking yourself or breathing in other people’s smoke: damages your lungs makes your asthma harder to manage stops your asthma medicines working properly increases your risk of asthma attacks or flare-ups As well as saving what you spend on cigarettes, quitting smoking may even mean you […]
Pregnancy & asthma
Download Factsheet What you need to know Many women find their asthma changes during pregnancy. Whether your asthma is better or worse, good asthma control when you are pregnant is vital for the best possible health for you and your baby. Do not stop taking your asthma medications. Stopping your medications can put your baby […]
Medication tips
Download Factsheet Achieving better asthma control Many people do not realise they aren’t using their asthma or COPD inhaler (puffer) correctly. Make sure your inhaler technique is correct. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or asthma educator to check, download a fact sheet, or watch the simple online How-to-Videos on the National Asthma Council Australia website. Understanding […]
Processes & treatments
Download Factsheet Understanding Processes and Treatments A number of Sensitive Choice® approved products are approved (in part) because the products contain certain treatments or attributes. Following is a brief overview of some of these. Healthguard HealthGuard® is an anti-microbial product that can be formulated into various finishes. It works to inhibit a broad spectrum of […]
Mind the Mould when Flood Waters Recede
The National Asthma Council Australia has called on those in regions that have been flooded to be aware of mould and to take steps to reduce its spread. As those affected by recent flooding will know, the problems caused by flooding do not go away with the flood waters. Water damage and the incursion of […]
Pets & allergies
Download factsheet Allergies in Australia Many Australians have allergies, and they are very common in people with asthma. Allergies occur when a person’s immune system reacts to substances (allergens) that are harmless for most people. Hay fever is one sort of allergic reaction, causing runny or itchy nose, throat or eyes. Allergies can also trigger […]
Asthma winter checklist
Download Factsheet Colds and flu can hit hard if you have asthma. In fact, the common cold is behind around 4 out of 5 bad asthma attacks. Make sure your lungs are in the best possible shape for winter by following these steps. Get your lungs checked See your doctor for an asthma review before […]
Climate control in your home
Download Factsheet House dust mites and mould – two of Australia’s leading asthma and allergies triggers – thrive in humid conditions. A dry, well-ventilated home can help your family breathe easier. Tips for climate control inside your home Make the most of natural ventilation and air circulation – open the windows! As well as ceiling […]
