Every year, National Asthma Week serves as an important reminder of the challenges faced by more than 2.7 million Australians living with asthma. Running in early September, this annual initiative highlights the need for greater awareness, improved first-aid response, and access to effective treatments —particularly in schools and childcare centres, where children are among the most vulnerable. With asthma attacks remaining a leading cause of preventable hospital admissions, the focus on safe environments for children is more critical than ever, the week encourages individuals, families, and workplaces to be prepared—not just with knowledge, but also with the right tools and training.
The Asthma Burden in Australia
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions in the country, affecting about 11% of the population. In 2022 alone, asthma contributed to nearly 39,700 hospitalisations and more than 400 deaths—many of which were preventable with prompt treatment and better management strategies.
In Victoria, early childhood services are required to complete Individual Asthma Risk Minimisation Plans for children diagnosed with asthma . Similarly, ACECQA provides clear guidelines for educators regarding qualifications in asthma and anaphylaxis first aid. Templates and resources are also available through Asthma Australia, the nation’s peak asthma body.
Asthma is particularly prevalent among children and older adults, with seasonal changes—especially during spring—playing a significant role in triggering attacks. As the National Asthma Council notes, pollen surges, combined with unpredictable weather patterns, contribute to the well-known phenomenon of “thunderstorm asthma,” which can lead to severe and sudden respiratory distress in susceptible individuals.
First Aid: Responding to an Asthma Emergency
Understanding what to do in an asthma emergency can save lives. The Asthma First Aid approach, recommended by the National Asthma Council Australia, outlines clear steps:
- Sit the person upright and stay calm.
- Give four separate puffs of a reliever puffer (blue/grey inhaler) with a spacer, taking four breaths after each puff.
- Wait four minutes and reassess. If symptoms persist, repeat the process.
- If there is no improvement, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.
While these steps may seem simple, panic during a crisis can lead to hesitation or mistakes. This is why accredited training, such as the 22556VIC Course in Asthma Management, is vital for parents, carers, teachers, and workplace first aiders.
New Research and Updates in Asthma Care
This year’s National Asthma Week coincides with several important updates in respiratory health care. Recent research published by the Medical Journal of Australia highlights improvements in the effectiveness of combination inhalers, which deliver both a corticosteroid and a fast-acting reliever in a single device—reducing hospital admissions by up to 30%.
In addition, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approved expanded access to biologic therapies for severe asthma patients. These treatments, which target specific pathways of inflammation, have been shown to reduce flare-ups by more than 50% in clinical trials, offering new hope for those with hard-to-control asthma.
Workplace & Community Preparedness
Asthma emergencies don’t just occur at home—they often happen in learning environments. Schools, childcare centres, gyms, and community spaces should all have asthma-friendly policies, access to reliever medications, and staff trained in emergency response. The National Asthma Council recommends facilities stock asthma kits containing spacers, relievers, and action plans.
For organisations wanting to ensure compliance and safety, accredited first aid training is key. Programs such as HLTAID011 Provide First Aid and the 22578VIC Course in Management of Anaphylaxis equip staff with essential knowledge and confidence in responding to emergencies.
Take Action This National Asthma Week
This National Asthma Week is a chance to not only raise awareness but also take concrete steps toward better management and prevention of asthma attacks. Here are some ways you can contribute:
- Review your asthma action plan with your GP.
- Check your inhalers to ensure they are in-date and functioning properly.
- Complete accredited first aid training to respond confidently in emergencies.
- Equip your home, car, or workplace with asthma management products to be ready for any situation.
- Use tools like the Melbourne Pollen App to monitor daily pollen levels and reduce exposure during high-risk days.
With spring marking a high-risk season for asthma flare-ups, this week serves as a timely reminder that awareness, preparation, and access to the latest medical updates can make all the difference.
Sources:
Asthma Australia. (2024). Asthma in Australia: Facts and statistics. Retrieved from https://asthma.org.au
Asthma Australia. (n.d.). Individual asthma risk minimisation plan – Sample template. Asthma Australia. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://asthma.org.au/document/individual-asthma-risk-minimisation-plan-sample-template/
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Prevalence of asthma in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au
Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). (2018). Qualification guidelines for first aid, asthma, and anaphylaxis programs. ACECQA. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-07/Qualification_guidelines_for_firstaid_asthma_anaphylaxis_programs_1.pdf
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Chronic respiratory conditions: Asthma. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au
Better Health Channel. (2024). Asthma first aid. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Melbourne Pollen Count. (n.d.). Mobile app. The University of Melbourne. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://www.melbournepollen.com.au/mobile-app/
National Asthma Council Australia. (2024). Asthma management guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.nationalasthma.org.au
Healthdirect Australia. (2024). Asthma attack: Symptoms, triggers and first aid. Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au
Victorian Government. (n.d.). Managing children’s medical conditions in early childhood services. Victoria State Government. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://www.vic.gov.au/managing-childrens-medical-conditions-early-childhood-services