10 Sep Spring asthma: why now is a good time to check your child’s inhalers
Spring pollen, changing weather and thunderstorms can trigger asthma flare-ups. If someone in your family has asthma, now is a good time to check medications, update their Asthma Action Plan and make sure everyone knows what to do if symptoms suddenly worsen.
Spring might mean warmer days, but for families managing asthma, it can also bring an increase in triggers.
Higher pollen levels, windy conditions and certain thunderstorms can contribute to asthma flare-ups, particularly for people whose asthma is not well controlled.
Dr Jonathan Brown, Medical Director at Bupa Medical, says families shouldn’t wait until symptoms appear before checking whether asthma medication and management plans are up to date.
“Asthma flare-ups can happen quickly due to spikes in pollen during thunderstorms and high winds, so being prepared is essential,” he says.
Check inhalers before they’re needed
Start by checking that inhalers haven’t expired and that there is enough medication available at home, school and when you’re out and about.
If prescriptions have run out, medication has been stretched further than recommended or asthma symptoms have been increasing, it’s worth making an appointment with your GP.
Regularly needing reliever medication can also be a sign that asthma isn’t as well-controlled as it could be. Australian asthma guidance recommends reviewing treatment when symptoms or reliever use become frequent.
Dr Brown says financial pressures can make it tempting to delay filling prescriptions, but asthma medication is one area families should be cautious about putting off.
“If you’ve been stretching out prescriptions, using expired medication or haven’t reviewed your asthma management recently, please book in to see your local GP who can get your asthma management back on track,” he says.
Don’t forget the Asthma Action Plan
An up-to-date written Asthma Action Plan sets out which medicines to use regularly, what to do if symptoms worsen and when to seek medical help.
Spring is also a useful time to check inhaler technique with your doctor or pharmacist. For children who use a spacer, make sure it is still available and in good condition.
If your child has asthma, it can also help to check that their school, childcare service, sports coach or other regular carers know about their condition and have access to the appropriate medication and plan.
What about thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma can occur when high levels of grass pollen combine with particular thunderstorm conditions. Tiny pollen particles can be carried in gusty winds and inhaled deep into the lungs, triggering sudden asthma symptoms.
People with asthma or a history of asthma can be at risk, as can some people with seasonal hay fever.
During periods of high pollen or thunderstorm asthma warnings, follow local health advice and your Asthma Action Plan.
Dr Brown says preparation is particularly important because symptoms can escalate quickly.
“The right treatment and preparation can help prevent symptoms from escalating and reduce the likelihood of needing emergency care.”
A quick spring asthma check
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- Check inhalers are in date and there is enough medication available.
- Make sure prescriptions are up to date.
- Review your child’s Asthma Action Plan.
- Check inhaler and spacer technique with your GP or pharmacist.
- Keep reliever medication readily accessible.
- Pay attention to pollen levels and thunderstorm asthma warnings if your child is susceptible.
- Seek medical advice if asthma symptoms are becoming more frequent or difficult to control.
If someone is having a severe asthma attack or is struggling to breathe, follow their Asthma Action Plan or Asthma First Aid instructions and call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Main Image: National Asthma Council
See also: Navigating the Pollen Season when your family has asthma or allergies.
