The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has issued a strong reminder to all Australians suffering from asthma to have an asthma plan in place with their general practitioner (GP).
This advisory comes in response to the recent smoke haze that has engulfed Brisbane and parts of south-east Queensland, greatly impacting individuals with asthma and other health conditions.
The air quality in Brisbane has been categorised as “very poor,” with levels reaching an alarming 11.9 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s recommended annual air quality guideline value as of 1 pm yesterday.
Highlighting the significance of effectively managing asthma, the President of RACGP emphasised the need for individuals to establish and adhere to an asthma plan.
She urged all patients, particularly those with severe asthma, to proactively develop a comprehensive plan since the deteriorating air quality in Brisbane and south-east Queensland has left many individuals gasping for air.
The unpredictable nature of asthma flare-ups necessitates a well-structured asthma plan to ensure timely intervention.
Dr Bruce Willett, the Vice President and Queensland Chair of RACGP, echoed the sentiment and emphasized the gravity of the situation. He stressed that having a Written Asthma Action Plan (WAAP) is vital for asthma sufferers to effectively manage severe flare-ups, especially during times of deteriorating air quality.
Dr Willett expressed concern that a significant number of asthma patients either lack a WAAP or fail to adhere to it during an asthma episode, which often results in emergency department visits and unnecessary distress.
He urged Queenslanders at risk to take immediate action, advising them to update their medications, including preventative asthma medications, and to always carry rescue medications like relievers.
He also encouraged individuals to stay indoors during periods of worsened air quality and to check on family members and friends who may be vulnerable to asthma-related complications.