t's Asthma Week (1-7 September), and Asthma Australia is here to help Australians with asthma and hay fever through pollen season. We've partnered up with experts in their respective fields to put together helpful and practical information for each day so you can breathe easier this Spring.
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We know that pollen season in Australia is a very common trigger for asthma and hay fever, so pollen season can be a miserable time for many. In September, we see hospitalisations peak again after flu season. Red itchy eyes, sniffly nose, interrupted sleep, an embarrassingly large pile of used tissues on the bedside table (or is that just me?). Sound familiar?
If you're finding it hard to breathe in Spring, it might be asthma in disguise.
What you need to know is: hay fever symptoms are closely related to asthma. Asthma symptoms can be disguised by other symptoms and will flare-up when hay fever isn't well managed. Around 80% of people with asthma also have hay fever, so you're not alone (and you can always give us a call).
People with asthma who have hay fever experience:
- More asthma flare-ups
- More visits to their GP
- More asthma-related hospitalisations
- More time off work and school (and not the holiday kind!)
- Higher annual medical costs
But don't worry, we are here to reduce the risk of this happening to you.
What should I keep an eye out for?
Keep an eye out for some of the most common symptoms of hay fever (you don't need to have all of them):
- Itchy, runny or blocked nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Always feeling like you have a head cold
- Blocked nose
- Throat clearing or coughing to clear the throat
- Snoring
- Mouth breathing
What can I do to manage my asthma and hay fever?
Fortunately, there is plenty you can do to manage your asthma and hay fever this Spring!
- We know the most important approach to managing and preventing asthma symptoms during spring involves using an appropriate inhaled preventer medicine. Asthma preventer medicines need to be used for around two to three weeks before they are effective at preventing symptoms and reducing sensitivity to triggers like pollen so if you aren't already using one, the time to start is now. If prescribed a preventer, it needs to be used daily, and as prescribed, to maintain the anti-inflammatory benefit.
- Download a copy of our Spring Checklist today so you can be well-prepared. It includes some great guidance, including questions for your GP, how to take the Asthma Control Test, and how to get a written Asthma Action Plan.
- Visit our blog (on our NEW website!) each day this week to find practical tips, from how to create a low-allergen garden to how to save money on hay fever and asthma medication.
- Follow us on Facebook so you don't miss any of our hot tips or updates.
- If you have questions about your hay fever and asthma management, call 1800 ASTHMA and speak to an Asthma Educator
Asthma Australia represents and supports the 2.7 million Australians living with asthma. To speak with an Asthma Educator call 1800 ASTHMA (1800 279 462).
