New Research on Asthma Fears

With more than 2 million Australians suffering from asthma and with spring season a potential trigger, new research indicates that the biggest fear of someone with asthma is they will stop breathing as a result of an attack according to new research announced by the Virtual Medical Centre.
Even with this fear, the Asthma Foundation says the majority of people with asthma do not have a written asthma action plan. Additionally, many people with asthma who could benefit by using regular preventer medication are not using it. Asthma is one of the most common reasons for hospital admissions in children and 397 people died due to asthma in 2002.The Virtual Medical Centre’s Medical Director for Respiratory, Dr Peter Bremner said “Inhaled allergens such as pollens and changes in temperature are proven triggers of asthma in some people which can make this time of the year a challenging time for Asthma sufferers.”Of the 190 survey respondents to an online medical questionnaire, 50% said they had asthma and 90% knew someone with asthma. The results revealed that 24% of respondents never take their preventer inhaler, 36% take it some of the time and 40% of respondents take their preventer inhaler most or all of the time. Research showed 45% of respondents had to visit a GP or emergency facility unexpectedly to manage their asthma.”These numbers are concerning as they suggest that asthma is not being well controlled, especially in the cases where the preventer medication is not being used,” said Dr Bremner. Results also showed that 28% of respondents admitted to using their reliever puffer more than five times a week. “If you are using your reliever puffer more than 5 times a week you really should be going back to your doctor,” Dr Bremner said. The research also indicated a similar trend with hayfever sufferers with 73% of the respondents who have hayfever symptoms do not take regular therapy for it. “In light of these survey results, it is important to raise the awareness of how to manage asthma. Knowing more about this condition may also help patients to reduce the concerns associated with living with asthma,” said Dr Bremner.Asthma Foundation NSW Acting Chief Executive Officer, Megan Dephoff, said the research highlighted the importance for people with asthma to consult their doctor for a written asthma action plan and to follow it. “A written asthma action plan can help recognise worsening asthma symptoms and early attention of such worsening symptoms may prevent a serious attack and prevent admission to hospital.” Ms Dephoff said. According to the Asthma Foundation, approximately 15% of children, or one in six children, have currently diagnosed asthma. Approximately 11% of adults have currently diagnosed asthma (or one in nine adults). Indigenous Australians have more problems with asthma than other Australians.The Virtual Medical Centre (www.virtualrespiratorycentre.com) has extensive information about asthma and how to manage asthma. The information published on the site is approved by 11 Australian respiratory specialists to ensure only the most credible information is available to the Australian general public and General Practitioners. The Asthma Foundation Information Line can also be contacted on 1800 645 130