News

Live, love, play, breathe

Christmas may be a happy time for most in our society but for the two million plus Australians with asthma, it’s a time when dust and pollen can create more wheezing and sneezing than celebration.

The National Asthma Council Australia is warning Australians with asthma to approach the festive season with caution, saying decorations, scented candles and even the humble Christmas tree can harbour hidden triggers.

“Most people are unaware that Cypress and pine trees produce high amounts of pollen,” National Asthma Council Australia CEO Kristine Whorlow said. “Artificial trees may seem like a safe alternative, but these trees are often used year after year and can accumulate dust and even mould in storage.”

A new Asthma Australia report on effects of uncontrolled asthma shows high absenteeism, career and negative daily living impacts, with 56% of patients with uncontrolled asthma taking asthma-related time off work.

Learn how to assist your customers to breathe easy by completing the following modules.

 Click here to read the report or visit www.nationalasthma.org.au.

Source: pharmacydaily.com, Wednesday 11 December 2013