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Did you know………..
That one person dies every 11 days in WA from asthma, and around 60% of these deaths are avoidable?(Source: Asthma Foundation of WA 2009, www.asthmawa.org.au)
People with asthma have sensitive or "twitchy" airways so when they are exposed to certain "triggers" (e.g. cigarette smoke), their airways narrow making it hard for them to breathe. The three main factors that cause this narrowing of the airways are the inside lining of the airways becomes red and swollen (inflamed); the muscle around the airway tightens; and extra mucus is produced.
The main symptoms that result from asthma are wheezing, which is a high pitched raspy sound on breathing; coughing; shortness of breath; and tightness in the chest. These symptoms vary from person to person, and the intensity with which they occur also varies.
One way to manage your asthma is to ask your GP for an Asthma Cycle of Care. This is targeted towards people with moderate to severe asthma. The Asthma Cycle of Care involves at least 2 visits to your GP to discuss and manage your asthma, even when you are well. During these 2 visits, your GP will assess how severe your asthma is, discuss trigger factors, provide you with a written Asthma Action Plan, review your medications and further educate you on how to best manage your asthma. The aim of the Asthma Cycle of Care is to build a partnership between you and your doctor.
The Division hosts a full time Asthma Foundation WA Educator at its Rockingham premises; you should get a referral from your GP or call the educator on 9439 9518 or 9289 3600 to find out how to make an appointment.
Ask your GP for further information about the Asthma Cycle of Care, or contact the Asthma Foundation of WA on 9289 3600 or visit http://www.asthmawa.org.au/index.php. You can also visit www.nationalasthma.org.au/html/home/index.asp, the National Asthma Council, Australia website
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