A Bendigo health expert has warned of the complications which can arise from asthma during the high-pollen season.
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Bendigo Community Health Services director of primary healthcare Graem Kelly said asthma had the potential to cause severe complications if not managed properly.
“Asthma can cause the muscles in the airways to tighten,” Mr Kelly said.
“It can cause the airways to become swollen and inflamed, producing a sticky mucus.
“The airways can become quite narrow which can make it difficult to breathe.”
Common symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, a feeling of tightness in the chest and coughing.
Around 2.5 million Australians have asthma which is equal to approximately one in nine people.
It is more common in men aged 0-14, but over the age of 15 it becomes more common in women.
Asthma can be caused by a range of triggers including: pollen and allergens, viral infections, dust mites, mold, cigarette smoke, pets, exercise, medications, cold air, change of temperature and thunderstorms.
Symptoms may be worse during the morning, night and during exercise.
Mr Kelly said a severe thunderstorm in Melbourne which claimed 10 lives in 2016 due to complications from asthma was a “poignant reminder” of its danger.
“People need to consider how they manage their asthma and talk with their local GP about the various methods,” Mr Kelly said.
“It will help them live a normal life with the support, medications and appropriate management in place to allow them to minimise any risks of asthma attacks.”
Mr Kelly urged parents to keep a close eye on children to ensure the best management practices are in place.
People who experience asthma are urged to create a personal management plan with a health professional.
The management plan includes a list of the person’s asthma medications and instructions on what to do during a flare up or an emergency.
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