What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in the lungs. It causes the airways to become inflamed, narrow, and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Approximately 2.7 million Australians have asthma, making it one of the most common chronic conditions in the country.
Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or early in the morning. Symptoms can range from mild and occasional to severe and persistent, and may be triggered by exercise, allergens, cold air, respiratory infections, or stress.
While asthma cannot be cured, it may be well controlled with an appropriate treatment plan. Good asthma management aims to reduce symptoms and flare-ups, helping you maintain your daily activities. Your GP will assess your individual circumstances.
When to see a doctor about asthma
You should see a GP if you are experiencing frequent asthma symptoms, using your reliever inhaler more than twice a week, waking at night due to asthma, or if your symptoms are limiting your physical activity. Regular GP reviews are essential even when your asthma feels well controlled.
If you are experiencing a severe asthma attack with significant difficulty breathing, blue lips or fingernails, or your reliever medication is not helping, call 000 immediately. For non- emergency asthma management, a telehealth consultation is a convenient option.
How a telehealth GP can help with asthma
A NewDoc telehealth GP can review your asthma symptoms, assess how well your current treatment is working, and adjust your medications accordingly. Telehealth is well suited for routine asthma care, including medication reviews, prescription renewals, and creating or updating your Asthma Action Plan.
Your GP can prescribe preventer and reliever inhalers, adjust dosages, check your inhaler technique via video, refer you to a respiratory specialist if needed, and provide a chronic disease management plan for Medicare-funded allied health services.
Treatment options for asthma
Asthma treatment is based on a stepwise approach. Most people with asthma need a preventer inhaler containing a low-dose inhaled corticosteroid, taken daily to reduce airway inflammation. A reliever inhaler is used as needed for acute symptoms. Many preventer inhalers are available on the PBS.
For people whose asthma is not well controlled on a preventer alone, combination inhalers containing both a corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator may be prescribed. Your GP will work with you to find the right step of treatment for your level of asthma control.
An Asthma Action Plan is a key part of management. This written plan, created with your GP, outlines your daily medications, how to recognise worsening symptoms, and emergency steps. Identifying and avoiding triggers, maintaining regular physical activity, and attending routine GP reviews may all help support your asthma management.