Improving control of asthma

New Zealanders could be managing their asthma better, according to the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation.

Written management plans and spacer devices are two simple ways of improving asthma control, the foundation says.

These have not been widely picked up in New Zealand, says the national respiratory educator Kim van Griensven.

"Written plans give people information on what to do when their asthma worsens or improves."

Most people's asthma symptoms vary and a written plan helps them to take appropriate action to keep it under control. This "empowering tool" gives sufferers the ability to adjust their medication appropriately.

The foundation released its self-management plan in 1999 and its child asthma plan last year. The free plans are available through patients' doctors or the Asthma Society. The doctor, practice nurse or asthma educator should be asked to help fill the plans in.

Spacers are also being promoted as a means of helping people of all ages get better control of asthma.

A spacer is a valved plastic tube which fits between an aerosol inhaler (or puffer) and the mouth. It helps to get 50 per cent more medicine into the lungs than the inhaler on its own and reduces side-effects. Spacers are available free for children under 6 and otherwise cost $20 to $25.

Ms van Griensven has two key tips for people using spacers : "Only put one puff of your medicine in the spacer at a time and don't rinse or dry your spacer when you clean it. "Wash your spacer about once a week with hot water and dish-washing liquid, then leave it to drip-dry. Don't rinse or wipe it as this will increase static, which attracts medicine to the sides of the spacer."

Contact: Asthma Society or Asthma NZ