Adults and 1 in 4 children in New Zealand are affected by asthma which equates to approximately 600,000 people

• NZ has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world

• Asthma is on the increase

• Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children and adults in New Zealand

• Asthma is the leading cause for children's hospital admissions

• The economic cost of asthma in NZ has been estimated at $825 million per year

Many people live with symptoms of asthma that restrict their daily life. Correct diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and a self management plan can help people with asthma manage their own or their children's asthma condition and improve their quality of life.

 

That is why this year The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation has decided to go Back To Basics, prompting people to check their asthma symptoms. Please answer these three questions for you or your child.

Do you wake at night because of asthma?

Do you use your reliever most days of the week?

Do you have difficulty exercising because of asthma?

Does this sound like you? Do you accept this as normal? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you or your child need not put up with these symptoms. You can do something about it. See your doctor, asthma educator or local asthma society for a review of your or your child's current asthma management.

 

A review will check that you are using your inhaler correctly, assess your medication use and help identify/manage any triggers you may have. You can then use this information to develop a self management plan. A self management plan allows you to respond to any changes in your asthma. It helps you to assess how well you are and what actions, if any, are needed. It is important to have a review when you are well so you can act promptly when your asthma change.

 

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation has many programmes that provide information, education, advocacy, training and research so that we all can breathe easier. To support our programmes donations can be made at your local PostShop or by calling 0900 4 ASTHMA (0900 42784). Alternatively, send credit card details or a cheque to:

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of NZ

PO Box 1459

Wellington

 

If you require further information please visit our website at www.asthmanz.co.nz, which has all of our resources available for downloading free of charge.