Reliance on reliever means asthma not under control

The Asthma Foundation of Tasmania (AFT) is today calling on Tasmanians living with
asthma to take note of how many times they use their reliever medication, as part of World
Asthma Day 2012.

AFT CEO Cathy Beswick said a lot of people with asthma didn’t realise that if they used their
blue/grey reliever puffer four times a week or more their asthma was not under control.

“In fact the National Asthma Council Australia has today warned that people who use their
reliever medication more often than they need to have the greatest risk of a severe asthma
attack, which can be life-threatening,” Mrs Beswick said.

“Ideally, if people are managing their asthma correctly they should be using their reliever
medication very little, if at all.

“Studies have shown that when people who use their reliever medication four or more times
a week start to use their preventers daily, their asthma symptoms decrease.”

Mrs Beswick said much of the reluctance or failure to use asthma preventers was most likely
due to confusion.

“It can take up to a month before the patient feels the full effect of the preventer medication,
so unfortunately a lot of people abandon it, thinking it’s not working,” she said.

“Another problem is that many people stop using their preventer once they start feeling
better.

“You’ve got to remember that the reason you’re feeling better is because of the medication
and to stay on top of your asthma you have to keep using it.

“It’s important to use preventer medication as prescribed, make regular follow up
appointments with your GP and make sure you have a written asthma action plan in place
so you know what to do if symptoms escalate.

“But don’t forget, even if your asthma is under control you should always have your blue
reliever puffer with you.”

The Asthma Foundation provides free help and advice to Tasmanians living with asthma. To
start feeling better, call AFT on 1800 645 130 or visit: www.asthmatas.org.au.
Asthma Foundation