Asthma vigilance urged
June 29, 2011
PHARMACISTS are being urged to
actively encourage their patients
with asthma to take control of their
condition, following the release of
new research showing increased
risk for the two million Australians
living with asthma.
One in five patients surveyed by
the National Asthma Council
Australia (NACA) said they were
anticipating an attack every week
this winter.
“Yet despite a potentially serious
season predicted, the study has
revealed that 65% of Australians
with asthma surveyed do not have
a current up-t-date asthma action
plan,” NACA said.
More than half of those polled
had not been vaccinated against
influenza, and a similar proportion
had not seen a healthcare
professional for a lung check this
year, the figures revealed.
“Asthma needs to be taken
seriously at this time of year, “ said
National Asthma Council ceo
Kristine Whorlow.
“Preparation is thekey to avoiding
unnecessary exacerbations and
hospitalisations,” she added.
NACA says initial figures for this
winter suggest that incidence rates
in 2011 may surpass those of 2010,
which saw 70% rates of asthma
attacks, and a 16% hospitalisation
rate for those with the condition.
The study was undertaken online
03-07 Jun by Stollznow Research,
with the support of AstraZeneca.
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