Asthma news for health professionals

30 years of leading the attack against asthma

For 30 years the National Asthma Council (NAC) has set the standard for asthma care in Australia.

We spoke with former CEO, Kristine Whorlow AM, about the NAC's early work leading the attack against asthma, after forming as the National Asthma Campaign in 1989.

Kristine says initiatives including the national treatment guidelines, now known as the Australian Asthma Handbook, put Australia at the forefront of asthma management globally.

‘We had to have those things, because we had such an enormous asthma problem. We had to be good at it,’ she says.

Noticed a few changes?

Healthcare isn't static, and neither is the National Asthma Council. We're evolving to remain at the forefront of asthma care by redefining our focus and refreshing our brand.

Read more.

Fellowship opportunity

Each year we partner with TSANZ to offer the $60,000 Asthma and Airways Career Development Fellowship. Applications are open until 10 December.

Apply now.

The GP Show podcast

Professor Amanda Barnard, Chair of the Australian Asthma Handbook Guidelines Committee, joined The GP Show podcast to talk about chronic asthma management in children.

Listen here.

Setting the standard

We have continued seizing opportunities to ask what needs to be done to keep Australia at the forefront of asthma care. We reflect on key achievements in our annual report.

Read more.

News and updates

Bushfire smoke and asthma

Bushfire smoke and high pollen counts created challenging conditions for people with asthma in many parts of Australia last week. NAC CEO Siobhan Brophy urged health professionals to ensure patients understand their risks and how to protect themselves. Watch: ABC 7.30 report.

Severe asthma patient stories

A new online resource, supported by the Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma, features first-hand accounts of living with severe asthma from people throughout Australia. Visit: Healthtalk Australia site.

Activating patients to better health

According to Consumers Health Forum of Australia research, Australians with chronic conditions and complex needs are less activated than their healthier counterparts. More: Consumers Health Forum study.

EpiPen Jr supply

ASCIA advises there is a shortage of EpiPen® Jr due to manufacturing delays and normal supply is expected by 31 January 2020. More: ASCIA

PBS update

From 1 November, terbutaline on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule changed from Unrestricted Benefit to Authority Required (Streamlined). More: PBS.

Conferences and events

March 2020

TSANZSRS Annual Scientific Meeting
When: 27-31 March
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

May 2020

APNA National Conference
When: 21-23 May
Where: International Convention Centre, Sydney

May 2020

International Primary Care Respiratory Group World Conference
When: 28-30 May
Where: Croke Park Conference Centre, Dublin