Ask your local Asthma Foundation about further information including:

— Asthma Basic Facts — Asthma Medications

You can also ask about community education and training programs.

To find out more about asthma contact your local Asthma Foundation

1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) asthmaaustralia.org.au

Asthma & Seniorsliving wellwith asthma

All Asthma Australia information is endorsed by our Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee and is consistent with the National Asthma Council Australia clinical guidelines.

Asthma Australia information does not replace professional medical advice. People should ask their doctor any questions about diagnosis and treatment.

©Asthma Australia 2012

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Australia License.To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/

licenses/by-nc/3.0/au/ or send a letter toCreative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain View, California, 94041, USA.

This resource is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Asthma Management Program.

Translating and Interpreting Service 131 450

Sit the person upright— Be calm and reassuring— Do not leave them alone

Give 4 puffs of blue reliever puffer medication— Use a spacer if there is one— Shake puffer— Put 1 puff into spacer— Take 4 breaths from spacerRepeat until 4 puffs have been taken

Remember: Shake, 1 puff, 4 breaths

Wait 4 minutes— If there is no improvement, give

4 more puffs as above

If there is still no improvement call emergency assistance (DIAL OOO)*— Say ‘ambulance’ and that someone is

having an asthma attack— Keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes

until emergency assistance arrives*If calling Triple Zero (000) does not work on your mobile phone, try 112

Call emergency assistance immediately (DIAL 000)— If the person is not breathing— If the person’s asthma suddenly becomes worse, or is

not improving — If the person is having an asthma attack and a puffer

is not available— If you are not sure if it’s asthmaBlue reliever medication is unlikely to harm, even if the person does not have asthma

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To find out more contact your local Asthma Foundation 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) asthmaaustralia.org.au Translating and

Interpreting Service 131 450© Asthma Australia 2013 Supported by the Australian Government

DL AA First Aid Poster.indd 1 3/02/13 5:02 PM

Vaccination type Recommendation Age

Annual influenza

For people with severe asthma and COPD All ages

All seniors 65+

Pneumococcal (protects against pneumonia)

Initial dose

Indigenous people

50+- All people with COPD - Smokers

All seniors

Some will need a second dose as advised by the treating doctor

65+

Lung healthSmokers or people who have been exposed to cigarette smoke over many years may have lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

These conditions are known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

1 in 5 people over the age of 40 have COPD. People with COPD find breathing difficult, and this can affect daily activities.

To find out more about COPD contact:

The Australian Lung Foundation (ALF)

1800 654 301 lungfoundation.org.au

It is common for people with COPD to also have asthma. It is important to talk to your doctor about managing these conditions to enable you to continue to enjoy a wide range of activities.

Vaccination recommendations

Further information: immunise.health.gov.au - for the latest Immunise Australia Program Information

Feeling short of breath?One in ten (10%) Australian adults has asthma.

Asthma can happen for the first time at any age.

An Australian dies every day from asthma and 65% of asthma deaths occur in people aged over 70 years.

Could it be asthma?Do you ever:

— Get breathless or wheezy? — Wake up coughing or wheezing? — Struggle to keep up with your normal activity?

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to act. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about a lung health check. Your doctor can help you to find out what is causing these symptoms and what to do about them.

SymptomsIt is important to tell your doctor what symptoms you have, how often you have them, and if they stop you from doing the things you enjoy.

Things that make your asthma worse (triggers)

Smoking - Being a smoker or breathing other people’s smoke makes asthma worse. It can also mean your asthma medications won’t work as well as they could.

Exercise and activity - Do not avoid exercise even though it may be an asthma trigger. Speak to your doctor and plan to manage your asthma while carrying out your usual activities, including exercise to keep you fit and well.

Type of medication

Commonly used for the following conditions

Beta blockers High blood pressure and angina. Some eye drops for glaucoma.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs)

Common pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen; medications for arthritis or joint pain.

Medications and devicesMake sure you are using your medication properly – ask your doctor, pharmacist or your local Asthma Foundation for more advice.

Learn how to use the device/s. If you are having difficulty, ask if a spacer or Haleraid would help.

Using your asthma medication properly will help you breathe better!

Asthma PlansIt is important to have an up to date written asthma action plan. It will cover what medications you need to take for your asthma, and what to do if asthma symptoms worsen. Ask your doctor to provide you with one.

Regular reviewPlan to see your doctor at least twice a year to discuss your asthma. If you are using your blue reliever puffer three times or more a week, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Triggers (continued)

Colds and flu - Viruses like colds and flu are the most common triggers for people with asthma. Speak to your doctor about vaccinations and how they can be part of your plan to keep well. Wash your hands frequently if you are near someone who has a cold or flu, e.g. grandchildren.

Medications - Certain medications can trigger asthma in some people.

— Always tell your doctor/pharmacist that you have asthma — Always check with your doctor/pharmacist before you change or stop any medication

This includes:

— complementary (non-medical) medicines — prescribed medicines — medicines you can buy without a prescription:

Being breathless is not a normal part of getting older ...