Asthma news for health professionals

Back-to-school ready

The start of school is typically a peak time for asthma flare-ups. Are your patients ready?

National Asthma Council CEO Siobhan Brophy says GPs can help get children asthma-ready for school by asking about asthma control over summer, updating asthma action plans and conducting an asthma check-up.

Managing asthma during bushfire season

With persistent bushfire smoke affecting many parts of Australia, it's crucial to speak with your asthma patients about managing their condition.

Read more

Updated ASCIA resources

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy has updated anaphylaxis resources for 2020, including e-training modules and anaphylaxis and allergic reactions action plans.

More info

News and updates

PBS access during bushfires

The Government passed temporary measures to ensure people affected by bushfires have continued access to PBS subsidies. More: AJP

2020 Bushfire Impact Research Grant Opportunity

Applications for bushfire-related health research through the Medical Research Future Fund are open until 31 January. More: GrantConnect

Translated bushfire smoke and health resources

The Health Translations library has multilingual resources with information about bushfire smoke and health. More: Health Translations

Heat and asthma medications

Patients in bushfire-affected areas should be aware that high temperatures can affect the composition of asthma inhalers. Inhalers left in homes exposed to extreme heat should be replaced. NAC contributor Associate Professor Bandana Saini gives info about managing essential medications in an emergency in The Conversation.

Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Read the World Health Organisation's information on novel coronavirus, including situation reports and advice on how people can protect themselves. More: WHO

Conferences and events

February 2020

Lung Health Promotion Centre Victorian Respiratory PD Day
When: 17 February
Where: The Alfred, Commercial Road, Melbourne

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

September 2020

ASCIA Conference
When: 2-4 September
Where: Melbourne Convention Centre