Asthma Australia
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Asthma Australia comprises the Asthma Foundation from each Australian State and Territory.
It is the recognised national community voice of Australians with asthma and linked conditions and their carers.
Asthma Australia is a national, nongovernment, incorporated body with no political affiliations.
Our vision: To free the community of asthma
Our mission: Working together to help people with asthma and linked conditions to breathe better
Our purpose: Providing asthma information, eduction, training and advocacy in the community and promoting research.
Resources: patients and carers
What is asthma?
Asthma is a condition of the airways. People with asthma have sensitive airways which react to triggers that set off their asthma. Their airways swell and get thick with mucus and the muscles around the airway squeeze tight. This makes it hard to breathe.
How do you recognise asthma?
People with asthma can have a range of symptoms:
- Breathlessness
- Wheezing
- Tight chest
- Persistent cough - often at night, early in the morning or during/after activity
People with asthma often put up with these symptoms. This can impact on how someone feels in their everyday life. By learning more about asthma and how to look after it, a person can learn to live well with asthma.
If you have asthma and you:
- Wake up coughing, wheezing or breathless
- Struggle to keep up with normal activity
- Use your reliever more than three times a week
- Are unsure about the way your medications can work best for you
You should see your doctor for an asthma review.
People from across Australia are able to access support, education and information through Asthma Australia. The Federal Government funds two programs to enable us to better support people with asthma and their carers. 
These programs focus on several areas:
- Providing training and information for staff in schools and pre-schools
- Delivering support, information and education throughout the community
Asthma Australia is particularly keen to ensure that the work we do provides support to people across the whole country. People with asthma, or their carers can easily access individual information by ringing the free call (1800 645 130) number from anywhere in Australia to speak with their local Foundation. Asthma Australia has a wide range of resources available, both on line (www.asthmaaustralia.org.au) or as brochures.
Asthma Australia has a strong focus on teaching Asthma First Aid. The Asthma First Aid Plan is a simple 4 step plan that anyone can learn and provide to a person having an asthma attack.
To find out more about Asthma First Aid, contact your local Foundation on 1800 645 130
Asthma Australia has a strong commitment to people with asthma and their carers who live outside of major cities. Around 40% of our work in the community to date has been in areas classified as rural and remote.
Asthma Australia appreciates the support and guidance provided by the National Rural Health Alliance and Royal Flying Doctor Service with informing our work in this area and their representation on Asthma Australia's National Advisory Group.
NATIONAL ASTHMA COUNCIL AUSTRALIA
The National Asthma Council Australia is the leading body for Asthma in Australia. It is a not-for-profit organisation working to improve health outcomes and quality of life for people with asthma.
Resources for Health Professionals
The National Asthma Council Australia's chief publication is the 'Asthma Management Handbook', the national clinical practice guidelines for asthma. This is available online in full at: http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/cms/index.php
The Asthma Council website also has a wide range of other evidence-based resources for health professionals, such as information papers on the latest hot topics, a series of inhaler device technique videos, an asthma action plan library, and spirometry guides and support materials. There's also workshops run in rural areas around Australia.
Find out more at: http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/content/view/252/591/ 