tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Early warning signs point to a tough cold and flu season ahead for Australians with asthma, according to leading respiratory experts.
Figures released today by the National Asthma Council Australia (NACA) revealed 58 per cent of adults with the condition have already suffered asthma attacks since the start of the winter.
The findings showed many adults with asthma were complacent about their condition, with less than half being vaccinated against the flu and only 40 per cent having an up-to-date written asthma action plan, NACA director, Associate Professor Peter Wark said.
?This new review of asthma sufferers (conducted this month) suggests they are being hit hard. It is imperative anyone with asthma visits their GP within the next seven to 10 days for a lung health check, including flu vaccination, before the depth of winter hits.
?Even though an unusual season occurred last year, it should never be assumed that an easier ride is ahead, as all flu seasons can be highly dangerous for those with respiratory conditions,? he said.
Almost half of Australians with asthma surveyed reported they had already endured cold and flu symptoms and eight-in-ten have seen an increase in asthma symptoms (wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness of chest and coughing) since the cold weather hit.
?It is critical for asthma sufferers to understand they are at risk of serious complications from influenza such as pneumonia which usually requires hospitalisation. As well influenza is responsible for causing acute asthma attacks.
?Recent published data shows one-third of influenza (H1N1) admissions into Australian Intensive Care Units (ICU) last flu season were those with chronic lung conditions ? notably asthma,? Associate Prof Wark said.
http://www.pharmacynews.com.au/article/asthma-patients-set-for-tough-winter/519174.aspx
Figures released today by the National Asthma Council Australia (NACA) revealed 58 per cent of adults with the condition have already suffered asthma attacks since the start of the winter.
The findings showed many adults with asthma were complacent about their condition, with less than half being vaccinated against the flu and only 40 per cent having an up-to-date written asthma action plan, NACA director, Associate Professor Peter Wark said.
?This new review of asthma sufferers (conducted this month) suggests they are being hit hard. It is imperative anyone with asthma visits their GP within the next seven to 10 days for a lung health check, including flu vaccination, before the depth of winter hits.
?Even though an unusual season occurred last year, it should never be assumed that an easier ride is ahead, as all flu seasons can be highly dangerous for those with respiratory conditions,? he said.
Almost half of Australians with asthma surveyed reported they had already endured cold and flu symptoms and eight-in-ten have seen an increase in asthma symptoms (wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness of chest and coughing) since the cold weather hit.
?It is critical for asthma sufferers to understand they are at risk of serious complications from influenza such as pneumonia which usually requires hospitalisation. As well influenza is responsible for causing acute asthma attacks.
?Recent published data shows one-third of influenza (H1N1) admissions into Australian Intensive Care Units (ICU) last flu season were those with chronic lung conditions ? notably asthma,? Associate Prof Wark said.
http://www.pharmacynews.com.au/article/asthma-patients-set-for-tough-winter/519174.aspx