Links to further information:
http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-topics/asthma/
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 - the essentials | Best Health - UK | |
| Asthma Animation | NHS Choices | |
| English | |||
| Asthma Quiz | Health Navigator NZ | |
| What is asthma? | Asthma Foundation (NZ) | |
| What is asthma? - small A5 booklet | Asthma Foundation (NZ) | 14 pages |
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 Health - UK | |
| Symptoms of asthma in adults | Best Health - UK | |
| 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.
| Attend a self management programme | Health Navigator NZ | |
| Managing your asthma | Asthma Foundation (NZ) | |
| House Dust Mites | Asthma Foundation (NZ) | |
| Asthma self management plan - adults | Asthma Foundation (NZ) | 1 Page |
| Symptom diary - children | Asthma Foundation (NZ) | 2 Pages |
| Asthma symptom diary - adults | Asthma NZ | 1 page |
| Controlling your asthma - booklet | Asthma Foundation (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 Foundation (NZ) | |
| Medication Information Leaflets | Asthma Foundation (NZ) | |
| NZGG - Appendix 2: Asthma & Sport - Banned and allowed medications | | 1 Page |
| NZGG - Appendix 1: Medications known to cause asthma symptoms | | 1 Page |
| Using Your Inhaler | Respiratory Quality Group | |
| Using Your Spacer - Multiple Breaths | Respiratory Quality Group | |
| Using Your Turbuhaler | Respiratory Quality Group | |
| Using Your Spacer - Single Breath | Respiratory Quality Group | |
| Asthma - Inhaler Chart | Counties Manukau District Health Board | |
Clinical Resources
Resources for improving clinical practice include reviews, clinical guidelines, asthma tools and training.
| Guideline Summary - The Diagnosis & Treatment of Adult Asthma | | 6 Pages |
| Full Guideline - Diagnosis & Treatment of Adult Asthma | | 104 Pages |
| Detailed | |||
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 Foundation (NZ) | |
| (scroll down for newsletters) | |||
| Livina & Geoff's story | Better Health Channel | |
| Local Asthma Societies for support & advice | Asthma Foundation (NZ) | |
| (find your area in list on left) | |||
| Asthma Information Line | Asthma NZ | |
| Phone 09 623 0236 | |||
| Resources for Maori | Asthma Foundation (NZ) | |
| Maori | |||
| Asthma statistics | Asthma Foundation (NZ) | |
| Research - The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood | ISAAC | |
| Detailed | |||
| Asthma Respiratory Foundation of NZ | Asthma Foundation (NZ) | |
| Thoracic Society of Australia & NZ | TSANZ | |
| Asthma NZ - The Lung Foundation | Asthma NZ | |
Date last reviewed