Asthma is one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases that affects over 260 million people globally.

• In Australia, about 2.8 million people have asthma. One in nine Australians have asthma.
• In New Zealand, over 615,000 people take medication for asthma. One in eight Kiwis have asthma.

The National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice program is encouraging people to maintain good asthma management on World Asthma Day, and every day!

Key resources and tools to help you achieve good asthma management

Have an up-to-date asthma action plan

An up-to-date asthma action plan is an integral part asthma management as it helps you recognise the signs of worsening symptoms and provides steps on what to do.

Your personal asthma action plan should include:

• a list of your usual asthma medicines, including doses and frequencies
• instructions on what to do when your asthma gets worse. This may include information on when to take extra medications or see a doctor
• what to do in an asthma emergency
• the name of the doctor or other health professional who prepared the plan with you.

Adults should have their asthma action plan reviewed by their doctor once a year, and children should have theirs reviewed every six months.

Asthma action plan templates are available to download and print for free.

Practice correct device technique

Taking your medications as prescribed and using your asthma inhaler properly helps ensure that the medicine is getting where it needs to.

It’s not always easy to use your medications but it’s easier to learn when someone shows you how. Practice makes perfect!

The National Asthma Council Australia has a library of instructional videos, demonstrating step-by-step how to use a variety of inhalers, nasal sprays and other asthma or COPD medications.

If you’re still unsure about how you’re using your devices, ask your pharmacist or doctor for further guidance.

Know what triggers your asthma

Up to 80% of people with asthma also have allergies. Part of having optimal control over your asthma or allergies is to understand what triggers your asthma. Through identifying your triggers, you can then take appropriate actions to avoid them and minimise having your symptoms flare-up.

Sensitive Choice has a range of fact sheets on the most common triggers of asthma and allergies. These fact sheets provide a brief overview on how that trigger influences asthma or allergies and includes advice on what you can do.

Common allergic triggers for asthma and allergies

• dust mites
• mould
• pollen
• smoke
• pets
• chemicals

By eliminating the presence and impacts of these common triggers, you are fostering a healthier, asthma and allergy friendly environment.