91论坛

August 30, 2024 | in News

As we leave the winter months behind and look forward to warmer days ahead, 91论坛 (AV) paramedics are urging Victorians to update their asthma plans to stay safe this spring.

Spring conditions often present allergens and triggers for people living with asthma and if it鈥檚 unmanaged or not prevented, it can develop into a serious health concern.

Around one in nine Victorians live with asthma and it can affect people of all ages.

91论坛 Director Emergency Management Justin Dunlop said our paramedics know well that if people don鈥檛 have an asthma action plan in place, it can become life-threatening.

鈥淭he conditions will change quickly in the coming weeks, so we want everyone with asthma to be ready with a plan,鈥� he said,

鈥淚t鈥檚 simple 鈥� visit your GP and they can create an action plan with you.

鈥淓veryone鈥檚 asthma action plan will look different, and it will help you manage your condition, ensuring you don鈥檛 find yourself in an emergency.鈥�

Adults should update their asthma action plan yearly, and for children, every six months is recommended.

The start of the season also marks National Asthma Week from 1 to 7 September, which aims to raise awareness for the condition and ways to manage it.

Common triggers for asthma include outdoor allergens such as pollen, dust, air pollution and even thunderstorms, while gas cooktops, mould and dust mites inside the home can also cause a reaction.

Keep an eye out for symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness.

鈥淏y taking preventative action and taking asthma seriously, you鈥檙e making a real difference for our busy paramedics who are facing high demand,鈥� Justin said.

鈥淔ollow your asthma action plan, and most importantly, if a person is having difficulty breathing and their reliever medicine is not working, don鈥檛 delay in calling Triple Zero (000).鈥�

Asthma Australia鈥檚 Director of Health Knowledge and Translation Anthony Flynn said an asthma action plan is a great asthma management tool.

鈥淚t sets out your important asthma information in a way that is easy to follow and is a valuable reminder of what to do in case your asthma gets out of control,鈥� he said.

鈥淔ollowing your plan and having regular reviews with your doctor can result in fewer days off from school or work, reduced emergency visits to hospital and less use of reliever medication.

鈥淲ith spring pollen allergens on the horizon, it鈥檚 important that you take action now to help avoid an asthma emergency and a visit from emergency services.鈥�

Communities can also make a difference by using Victoria鈥檚 range of alternative care pathways that are available and located right across the state for health matters that are serious but not life-threatening.

The (VVED) is available online 24/7.

It鈥檚 free and connects you with emergency doctors and nurses from anywhere in Victoria.

You can also visit a nearby Urgent Care Clinic, which provides GP-led care to those who need urgent care, but not emergency ambulance response. To find your nearest one, visit the .

Victorians can also get care from their GP, pharmacist, or NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024.

These services help save Triple Zero (000) for emergencies by reducing non-urgent and repeat ambulance call outs and unnecessary trips to hospital.

You can access , including and you can .

To learn more about asthma action plans, visit the .

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