NATIONAL Asthma Council Australia has released new resources for primary care health professionals that provide summary information on key topics identified in the updated Australian Asthma Handbook, which was published last year (PD 17 Sep 2025).
Designed to be used in conjunction with the handbook, the information sheets provide a concise reference for the diagnosis and management of asthma and include primary questions to be considered, quick reference tables and key messages to communicate to patients.
The five topic sheets are titled:
* Overcoming Australia's over-reliance on 'blue puffers' for asthma
* Anti-inflammatory reliever is the recommended starting treatment for asthma
* Maintenance-and-reliever therapy for asthma
* Oral corticosteroid use in asthma: what's safe and appropriate?
* Triple therapy for asthma in primary care.
Pharmacist and Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby, clinical executive lead at NAC, said following the launch of the updated guidelines last year, this is an opportune time to produce this resource for primary care health professionals.
"Suboptimal asthma control is prevalent in Australia and greater awareness of evidence-based guidelines and options for best practice management will help alleviate poorly controlled asthma in the community," Associate Professor Rigby explained.
"The therapeutic approach to asthma has changed over the last decade, with a focus on alleviating chronic inflammation in the airways, not just addressing symptoms," she added.
"The recommendations to avoid SABA-only treatment and shift towards inhaled corticosteroids (ICS-containing) therapy for all adults and adolescents requires substantial education and behaviour changes for patients.
"These resources will support clinicians with the implementation of the guidelines," she said.
Assoc Prof Rigby stressed that while the information sheets provide a handy summary of key recommendations and information, for detailed guidance on asthma care, the Australian Asthma Handbook should be consulted.
Access the resources HERE.
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