Tuesday May 5, 2009, is World Asthma Day.

And, according to the National Asthma Council Australia it's time for the two million plus Australians with asthma to prepare, or update, their asthma action plans.

"In the same way that daylight savings signals the time to change your smoke alarm battery, World Asthma Day is the time to make a resolution to consult your GP and prepare a written plan," urged National Asthma Council Australia chief executive officer, Kristine Whorlow.

"Or, if you already have a plan, now's the time to make sure it is up-to-date."

Asthma action plans contain written instructions to help people with asthma, as well as their family, carers and neighbours, recognise how to tell if asthma symptoms are getting worse, and what action to take.

"The theme of World Asthma Day this year is 'you can control your asthma' and, the best way to control asthma is with an up-to-date written asthma action plan," Kristine Whorlow said.

"Research shows that written plans keep people with asthma in control of their condition. They are better equipped to recognise deterioration of their symptoms and can respond appropriately."

Unfortunately, many Australians with asthma do not have a written asthma action plan, despite evidence that shows that asthma self-management programs that involve a written action plan have a greater reduction in hospitalisation than those that do not.1

Research also shows that people with asthma action plans have better controlled asthma, fewer asthma symptoms and fewer days off work or school because of asthma.

Poorly managed asthma can be fatal. According to statistics released last month, 385 Australians died from asthma in 2007.

Calling the new statistics 'a timely wake up call', Kristine Whorlow warned Australians with asthma not to become complacent.

"Asthma can not be cured, but it can be controlled," she said. "This World Asthma Day make a commitment to keep your asthma under control with an up to date asthma action plan and an annual review with your doctor," she said.

Sample asthma action plans can be downloaded from the National Asthma Council Australia website: nationalasthma.au

Reference

1. Gibson, P. G., J. Coughlan, et al. (2000). "Self-management education and regular practitioner review for adults with asthma." (2): CD001117.

Source
National Asthma Council Australia