The Illawarra Asthma Service has provided asthma education and self-management strategies since 1994 and continues to update yearly using National and NSW guidelines evidence based practice.

One in ten Australians have asthma. Asthma is a reversible obstructive airways disease that when well managed enables people to lead a good quality of life with few restrictions to exercise and lifestyle. However, around 400 people die each year from asthma, with 60% of these being preventable.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and hypersensitivity of the bronchiloles with variable lung function. Symptoms of asthma are caused by bronchiole swelling, bronchospasm and increased mucous production. This causes cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and chest tightness or heaviness of varying severity.

Asthma severity changes the management according to symptoms, Spirometry, response to inhaled medications and peak flows.

Adults aged >16 are reviewed by the Asthma Coordinator based at Wollongong Hospital's Respiratory Medicine Department. Asthma Procedures have also been developed for ISLHD Emergency Departments and Wards in line with national asthma guidelines for the management of asthma.

More information on Asthma can be found at:

• National Asthma Council
• Asthma Australia
• Asthma Handbook