Asthma

Are You Puffing Properly?

It’s believed around 90% of people with asthma do not use their device/s properly. Here are some “best practice” tips to help you. If you still need help, remember that your GP can assist you with your asthma management

• It’s avised that you use a spacer with an inhaler,
• Always shake an inhaler before use,
• Put 1 puff into the spacer,
• Take 4 regular breaths from the spacer,
• Repeat untill you have taken your recommended number of doses(puffs)
• In the event of an asthma attack 4 separate doses is generally recommened

Dosage differs for 6+ year olds using a Bricanyl inhaler and 12+ year olds using a Symbicort inhaler. Watch the Asthma Australia inhaler technique videos to see if you are getting it right.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a medical condition affecting the airways, making it difficult to breathe normally. The severity of this condition depends on the individual, the factors causing the airway to narrow, and the triggers that set off or activate asthma symptoms or asthma attacks. Three common factors that can cause the airways to narrow are:

• A swollen and inflamed lining of the airway
• A build-up of mucus in the airways restricting or blocking airflow
• A muscle spasm around the airways that squeezes the airways tight

Asthma symptoms will usually include:

• Wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing,
• Tightness of the chest or,
• Shortness of breath,

​*An asthma attack can range from mild to severe.

What causes Asthma?

The triggers that activate asthma symptoms and asthma attacks vary from person to person. Many people will find that physical activity or inhaling airborne particles like dust or wood fibres, can contribute to asthma flare-ups.

If you suspect that you may have asthma, then you should speak to your GP. Asthma is something that can develop at any time; some people will have asthma from a young age while others will be diagnosed later in life. It affects people of all ages.

If you already know you have asthma, but you experience symptoms more frequently or more severely then you should consider an asthma review to help you manage your asthma. You may need a different dosage of any reliever or preventer medication you take, or you could be using your devices incorrectly. Appropriate asthma management will help minimise the impact it has on your life.

If you experience asthma symptoms more than 2 times a week or you use your reliever puffer more than 3 times a week, then your asthma is not under control. Call us today to book a review or make an appointment to speak to one of our GPs about asthma. Our enhanced primary care team is there to provide you with the support and education you need to take control of your asthma.