WINTER frost is turning to spring sun, and Marraboor Pharmacy is reminding customers of the dangers of asthma as we enter the allergy season.
Asthma is a prevalent health condition that affected just under 2.7 million Australians in 2020-21, which is 10.7 per cent of the population.
“We aim to bring timely health conversations about allergies and their linkage to asthma,” Marraboor Pharmacy pharmacist Jarred Kiel said.
“Poorly controlled allergies can adversely impact asthma management, so a whole-picture approach is necessary for our patients to understand their asthma triggers better.
“Asthma’s impact on hospitalisations and individual’s quality of life sees us continue to drive this important conversation in the pharmacy.”
Mr Kiel urged sufferers to have an asthma action plan – something only one in three people with asthma have.
“We recommend every person with asthma have that plan,” Mr Kiel said.
“We find these can be one of the most effective interventions available to our patients.
“Our pharmacists can help coach on correct inhaler techniques – up to 90 per cent of Australians don’t use their inhaler correctly.”
These plans must be completed by the patient’s doctor in collaboration with the patient.
Allergens that trigger hay fever can be seasonal such as grasses and pollens or occur all year round, such as dust mites and cat dander.
Symptoms of hay fever can be exacerbated by environmental chemicals such as second-hand smoke.
People who live in inner regional areas are more likely than those who live in outer regional and remote areas to have asthma – 13.1 per cent compared to 9.2 per cent.
“Our pharmacists can help with hay fever management, and we will use a step-wise approach to help manage symptoms,” Mr Kiel said.
