Stay on Top of Asthma This Summer 

Summer can be a hard time for people with asthma. The hot weather can make symptoms worse and even trigger an asthma attack or flare-up. That’s why you should keep using your preventer medicine, if prescribed, and follow your Asthma Action Plan. 

During extreme weather, check in with family, friends, and neighbours who might feel the heat more. Take steps to keep cool by: 

• Drink water (even if you don’t feel thirsty) – it’s the best way to stay hydrated 

• Keep your place cool: 

• Use fans or air conditioners if you can 

• Close blinds or curtains to block out the sun 

• Open windows when its cool outside 

• Dress for the weather – wear light, loose clothing and a hat when outside 

• Take breaks – visit an air conditioned shopping centre or library if you need to cool down 

• Keep your body cool – use a wet towel, take a cool shower, or use a spray bottle 

Research shows there is a rise in asthma attacks when children go back to school after the summer holidays. Make sure your child keeps taking their preventer, if prescribed, during the holidays even when they feel well. If you are going away, be sure to pack your asthma medicines and your Asthma Action Plan. 

If you have concerns about your child’s asthma, why not take the free online Childhood Asthma Control Test on the Asthma Australia website? When you finish the test, you will get an asthma score telling you whether your child’s asthma is well controlled, not well controlled, or poorly controlled. Asthma Australia can give free advice over the phone. Call an Asthma Educator on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) or book a call at a time that suits you. 

Get ready for Term 1 next year by seeing your doctor to make sure your child’s Asthma Action Plan is up to date. When you go to the doctor, take your inhaler with you. Ask the doctor or nurse to check your child’s inhaler technique. 

The Community Asthma Service cares for people with asthma in the Illawarra Shoalhaven. To make a free appointment call the Access and Referral Centre on 1300 792 755 or email ISLHD-AccessandReferralCentre@health.nsw.gov.au.