A Tasmanian woman who believed she was suffering from simple allergies has recently
discovered she had uncontrolled asthma and is urging other Tasmanians experiencing
symptoms to get their asthma checked and under control.

Mabel Clarkson said she had been putting up with wheezing, congestion and tightness in the
chest for years before a friend advised her to call the Asthma Foundation of Tasmania (AFT),
which has made a significant difference to her life.

“I was in a really bad way and I’d tried everything to treat my symptoms, so when I was told
by an asthma educator I needed to be taking preventative medication morning and night, I
was both surprised and relieved to finally have an answer,” Ms Clarkson said.

“I feel so much better since taking my preventer because I am no longer putting up with
tightness in my chest and I’m breathing much easier.

“This is especially important to me, as I am an active member of a bushwalking club, the Hash
House Harriers and a petanque team and having my asthma under control has made my
weekly activities so much easier and more enjoyable.”

Speaking at the launch of National Asthma Week in Tasmania, AFT CEO Cathy Beswick said
Mabel’s case was unfortunately very common, with many Tasmanians either living with
undiagnosed asthma or not taking their prescribed preventative medication.

“Despite the fact that preventative medications have been around for decades, up to 75 per
cent of those prescribed preventers are not taking them regularly, or at all,” Ms Beswick said.
“This means they are living with uncontrolled asthma and are risking permanently damaging
their airways, potentially causing serious breathing problems for the rest of their lives.

“If people are using their blue or grey asthma puffer three or more times a week their asthma
is out of control and they are unnecessarily putting their lives at risk.”

Asthma is responsible for thousands of emergency presentations every year in Tasmania and
is the main reason why Tasmanian children present at emergency departments or are
hospitalised.

Ms Beswick said despite the fact that there were around 62,000 Tasmanians living with
asthma, the Foundation only spoke to around 2,000 asthmatics each year.

“We estimate more than 13,500 asthmatics in Tasmania are not in adequate control of their
asthma, as evidenced by statewide pharmacy data,” Ms Beswick said.

“As part of National Asthma Week 2013, we are calling on Tasmanian asthmatics to pick up
the phone and call our free 1800 number to find out how they can control their asthma and
start feeling better.

“Of course, this number is not for emergencies or life threatening situations and people
experiencing an asthma attack should call 000 immediately.

“While there is no cure for asthma it can be controlled and the impact it has on the lives of
those who have it can be significantly reduced, which many people don’t seem to realise.

“There is no need to feel ‘breathy’ all the time and thanks to some great new medicines and
techniques, simple activities such as climbing the stairs shouldn’t be a big chore, no matter
what your age.”

The Asthma Foundation provides free help and advice to Tasmanians living with asthma. To
start feeling better, call the Foundation on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) or visit:
www.asthmatas.org.au.
Cathy Beswick CEO – The Asthma Foundation of Tasmania