A smoke-shrouded Brisbane this week has prompted a warning from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) to all Australians with asthma and other respiratory health conditions.
Brisbane’s air quality due to scheduled hazard reduction burns has been rated as ‘very poor’ and at 1pm yesterday was 11.9 times worse than the World Health Organisation’s annual air quality guideline value.
RACGP President, Dr Nicole Higgins said it was another reminder of the importance of carefully managing asthma.
“The poor air quality in Brisbane and south-east Queensland is leaving many people, particularly those with serious asthma, gasping for air. So, this is another reminder for all patients to have an asthma plan in place, because you can never be sure when another flare up will occur,” she said.
RACGP Vice President and Queensland Chair, Dr Bruce Willett backed the calls.
“This must be taken very seriously,” he said.
“Ask any GP and they will tell you it’s vital for all asthmas to have a Written Asthma Action Plan, or WAAP, to help manage serious asthma flare-ups, including at times like this when the air quality deteriorates.
“Unfortunately, many people with asthma haven’t a WAAP in place or they are not following their plan when they have an asthma flare-up. When this happens, they may well end up in an emergency department in a lot of strife and that is something none of us want.
“So the begin of winter is an important time to see your GP to organise an asthma plan to keep you safe and empower you to care for your asthma. For all Queenslanders at risk there are important steps you can take.
“Make sure all your medications, including preventative asthma medications, are up to date and always have your rescue medications such as reliever with you no matter where you are. Stay inside if the air quality worsens and make sure to check in with family members and friends who may be at risk. Together, we can all help people in our life stay safe,” said Dr Willett.
