"Asthma Warning In Wake Of Bushfires"

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 13 Feb 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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There is a heightened risk of asthma across Victoria due to the devastation of the weekend's bushfires and the impact of high winds.

People with asthma are being urged to ensure they are carrying their asthma reliever medication and remain on high alert.

"Smoke and increased air pollution from fires can trigger asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing or chest tightness," warned National Asthma Council Australia Chief Executive Officer, Kristine Whorlow.

"If you have asthma, or if you are responsible for a child or elderly person with asthma, be aware of the risk and the fact that these triggers can linger long after the actual bushfire threat has subsided.

"This is also critically important for the many hundreds of volunteers, emergency personnel and media representatives who are working directly within the fire zones. I commend them for their work and urge them to maintain their own health."

People in areas not directly impacted by the bushfires, including built up areas, are also at risk as this week's erratic winds carry smoke and ash particles long distances.

The National Asthma Council Australia is encouraging anyone with asthma to ensure they have appropriate medication readily available.

"In an emergency situation such as this, if you have evacuated and find yourself without your prescribed medication, I urge you to visit a pharmacist who will be able to help you," Kristine Whorlow said.

"You need to be aware of your personal asthma triggers and follow your asthma action plan."

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has today confirmed that many pharmacies in and around fire zones are operational.

"Pharmacies are a pivotal part of the communities affected by this terrible disaster, and I know pharmacists and their staff stand ready to do everything possible to assist patients in this very stressful and tragic time," said Guild President, Kos Sclavos.

"Community pharmacies are frontline health destinations ready to give advice and assistance to all in need."

Bushfire smoke contains particles of different sizes, water vapour and gases, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Larger sized air-borne particles, containing burning debris, contribute to the visible haze when a fire is burning. They are generally too large to be breathed into the lungs, but they can cause irritation to the lungs, throat and nose.

Finer particles and gases, however, are small enough to be breathed into the lungs.

Research conducted on smoke and its effect on asthma in Darwin during the dry season of 2000 found a significant 140% increase in asthma presentations to the Royal Darwin Hospital on very hazy days.

"The concentration of fine particles in the atmosphere was shown to increase asthma exacerbations," Kristine Whorlow explained. "And this is the same scenario that we are now facing in Victoria."

Anyone seeking asthma advice can contact the Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130 or http://www.asthma.org.au or visit the National Asthma Council Australia's website: http://www.nationalasthma.org.au.

National Asthma Council Australia

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