Asthma
Asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions in New Zealand affecting up to 1 in 5 children and 1 in 9 adults. In fact NZ has the 2nd highest prevalence rate (number of people with asthma) in the world (UK has the highest).
Knowing what to do is very important and here you will find some practical information, tools and resources to help you stay well.
Overview
People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs. The airways may tighten, partially close up, swell inside, and make more mucus, when faced with certain triggers. This makes it hard to breathe in and even harder to breathe out.
 | Short movie explaining asthma | Kids Health | |
| Easy to Read | |||
 | Asthma Fact Sheet | Better Health Channel | 2 Pages |
 | All about asthma | Asthma NZ | |
| Asthma in children | Best Treatments | |
| What is asthma? | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | |
| What is asthma? | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | |
Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis
Asthma's main symptoms are shortness of breath and a tight chest. If you have these symptoms, you should consult a medical doctor.
| Tests for asthma | Best Treatments | |
| Symptoms of asthma in adults | Best Treatments | |
| Symptoms may come and go | Asthma NZ | |
What can I do? - Self help measures
You are the key to improving your asthma. First, you need to understand your asthma, and then have a plan.
| Managing your asthma | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | |
| House Dust Mites | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | |
| Asthma action plan - adults | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | 1 Page |
| Symptom diary - children | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | 2 Pages |
| Asthma symptom diary - adults | Asthma NZ | 1 Page |
| Controlling your asthma - booklet | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | 16 Pages |
| Common questions & answers about asthma | Asthma NZ | |
Treatments & Medication
Depending on your diagnosis you may be prescribed one or more of a reliever, a preventer, a long acting reliever, a combination preventer/long acting reliever.
| NZGG - Management of Chronic Asthma Algorithm |  | 1 Page |
| Flowchart | |||
| NZGG - Treatment of Acute Severe Asthma | | 1 Page |
| Flowchart | |||
| Asthma Medicines | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | |
| Medication Information Leaflets | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | |
| NZGG - Appendix 2: Asthma & Sport - Banned and allowed medications | | 1 Page |
| NZGG - Appendix 1: Medications known to cause asthma symptoms | | 1 Page |
Clinical Resources
Resources for improving clinical practice include reviews, clinical guidelines, asthma tools and training.
Support
Having good support makes a difference. Here you will find information on newsletters, support groups, hear other people's stories and where to local asthma educators.
| Magazines & newsletters | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | |
| (scroll down for newsletters) | |||
| Livina & Geoff's story | Better Health Channel | |
| Local Asthma Societies for support & advice | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | |
| (find your area in list on left) | |||
| Support services & educator - Auckland | Asthma Auckland | |
| Resources for Maori | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | |
| Maori | |||
| Asthma statistics | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | |
| Research - The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood | ISAAC | |
| Detailed | |||
| Breathe Easy - Asthma NZ | Asthma NZ | |
| Asthma Respiratory Foundation of NZ | Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ | |
| Thoracic Society of Australia & NZ | TSANZ | |
| Asthma NZ - The Lung Foundation | Asthma NZ | |