National Asthma Week: Why an Updated Asthma Action Plan is Essential

As National Asthma Week (1-7 September) approaches, it’s a crucial time to spotlight the importance of asthma management and to ensure that both individuals and healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need. This year’s focus is on the significance of maintaining an up-to-date asthma action plan and mastering correct medication use and device technique.

Why Asthma management matters

Asthma is a prevalent condition in Australia, with approximately 2.8 million people, equivalent to 1 in 9, living with the condition as of 2022. The disease carries a substantial burden, accounting for 2.5% of the total disease burden and 35% of the burden of all respiratory conditions in 2023. Notably, asthma is the leading cause of total disease burden in children aged 1-9 years.

However, despite its widespread impact, there are critical gaps in asthma management that need addressing. Alarmingly, only 32% of individuals with asthma have an asthma action plan. This is a significant concern given that well-designed action plans are vital for managing asthma effectively and reducing the risk of severe episodes.

Medication and device technique: Areas for improvement

One of the most pressing issues is that up to 94% of asthma patients do not use their inhalers correctly. Incorrect inhaler technique can lead to inadequate medication delivery, which diminishes the effectiveness of treatment and increases the risk of exacerbations.

Asthma remains a major concern in emergency care settings. In the year 2020-21, there were 56,600 emergency department visits due to asthma, and 25,500 asthma-related hospitalisations occurred in 2021-22. These statistics underscore the need for improved management strategies and patient education.

National Asthma Week serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and education in asthma care. By focusing on updating asthma action plans, improving medication techniques, and leveraging available resources, we can make strides towards better asthma management and ultimately reduce the burden of this prevalent condition.

National Asthma Council Australia have developed some fantastic resources to assist individuals and healthcare professionals.

• My Asthma Guide
• Asthma action plans
• Device technique: How-to videos
• Fact sheets
• Information for health professionals

Sources

• National Asthma Council Australia – National Asthma Council Australia
• Asthma, 2022 | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au)
• Chronic respiratory conditions: Asthma – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw.gov.au)