At Fresh Therapeutics Compounding Pharmacy, we’re proud to support asthma awareness by helping patients better understand this common yet often misunderstood condition. Asthma affects a large proportion of Australians, yet many people still believe myths about how it works, who it affects, and how it should be managed.

We’re here to help our community separate fact from fiction - so that every person with asthma can breathe easier and live well.

Understanding Asthma: Five Key Facts

1. Asthma Affects Many Australians
Asthma impacts millions across the country. Even if you don’t have asthma yourself, chances are you know someone who does. That’s why community awareness is essential.

2. Asthma Is a Long-Term Condition
Despite what many believe, most people don’t simply “grow out of asthma.” It can start at any age and, while symptoms may fluctuate, it remains a chronic condition that requires daily management.

3. Asthma Can Be Life-Threatening
Hundreds of people lose their lives to asthma each year. However, with the right medication, knowledge, and a written Asthma Action Plan, asthma can be managed effectively. Many Australians are still unaware that untreated or poorly controlled asthma can be fatal.

4. Asthma Triggers Are Different for Everyone
Common asthma triggers include pollen, exercise, smoke, cold and flu viruses, and even thunderstorms. Since asthma affects everyone differently, it’s important to know your individual triggers and how to manage them.

5. Daily Use of a Preventer Can Improve Quality of Life
Using an asthma preventer every day- even when you feel well - can reduce flare-ups, hospital visits, and long-term damage to the lungs. These medications help reduce airway inflammation and make breathing easier.

The Asthma Health Checklist

Whether you’ve had asthma for years or have been recently diagnosed, it’s important to treat it as a long-term condition. Even when symptoms are not present, asthma still affects your airways.

Review this checklist regularly to stay in control:

With Your Doctor:

• Review your level of asthma control

• Ensure you’re on the right medications (e.g. a preventer)

• Check your inhaler technique

• Update your written Asthma Action Plan

With Your Fresh Therapeutics Compounding Pharmacy Pharmacist:

• Ask about using a spacer

• Have your inhaler technique assessed (most people use it incorrectly!)

• Discuss nasal symptom management

• Learn about medication reminder services such as MedAdvisor

• Collect Self Care Fact Cards and the Asthma First Aid Plan for your fridge

Is Your Asthma Under Control?

If you’ve experienced any of the following symptoms in the last four weeks, it could indicate poor asthma control:

• Daytime symptoms more than twice a week

• Use of reliever medication more than twice a week

• Night-time symptoms or waking due to asthma

• Any limitation of normal activities due to asthma

You can also take the Asthma Control Test online at asthmaaustralia.org.au to get your Asthma Score.

Take These Steps to Breathe Easier

Use Your Preventer Every Day
Even when feeling well, a preventer helps keep airways open and reduces long-term complications.

Check Your Inhaler Technique
Up to 90% of people use their inhalers incorrectly. Ask your pharmacist to show you the right technique or visit National Asthma Council Australia for video demonstrations.

Create a Written Asthma Plan
Work with your GP to create a personalised action plan. This plan helps reduce flare-ups, manage symptoms early, and avoid hospital visits.

Know Asthma First Aid
Get your Asthma First Aid Fact Card from Fresh Therapeutics Compounding Pharmacy or download the Asthma First Aid app from your mobile app store.

How Fresh Therapeutics Compounding Pharmacy Can Help

Our pharmacists are trained to support people with asthma through medication advice, inhaler training, and asthma management planning. We also offer printed resources and medication reminders to help you stay on track with your treatment.

Visit us today or call to learn how we can support your respiratory health.

Useful Resources

• Asthma Australia Support Line: 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462)

• Asthma Score & Online Tools: asthmaaustralia.org.au