SPRING is sprung, the grass is riz, along with plenty of asthma-inducing pollen.
The National Asthma Council Australia is calling on pharmacists to prepare their patients for the upcoming thunderstorm asthma season.
National Asthma Week (01 to 07 Sep) is the perfect time to remind patients to start taking preventative measures for the higher pollen counts and unexpected weather changes that could trigger asthma attacks, the council says.
National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson and pharmacist, Dr Jenny Gowan, said National Asthma Week was a timely reminder for pharmacists and pharmacy staff to refresh their knowledge on evidence-based best practice of asthma & allergic rhinitis.
She urged pharmacists to educate all patients on preventative measures.
"The risk of thunderstorm asthma is highest in adults who are sensitised to ryegrass pollen, have allergic rhinitis (with or without known asthma), and are not taking an inhaled corticosteroid asthma preventer...the worst outcomes are seen in people with poorly controlled asthma," said Gowan.
"People with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis need to proactively manage their symptoms.
"This includes having an up-to-date asthma action plan in place, prepared by their GP, and taking an inhaled corticosteroid asthma preventer, if prescribed.
For an array of asthma resources see nationalasthma.org.au.
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