customer, could you be suffering from winter allergies?

Winter allergies - dust mites

Why am I sneezing so much this winter, and why does my nose run all the time?

Why do I wake up every morning with nasal congestion?

Is it a cold that's lasting for weeks?

If you’ve been asking yourself these questions, it’s possible you have winter allergies. House dust mites are a common trigger of winter allergies. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that live off dead skin cells and live in soft furnishings such as beds, bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture.

The good news is there are many ways to help reduce the effect of dust mites and help you feel better.

Reduce your exposure:

Enclose bedding (pillows, mattresses and doonas) in mite-proof covers
Wash bedding weekly in a hot wash (> 55°C)
Vacuuming rugs and carpets weekly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter
Use a damp or electrostatic cloth to dust hard surfaces, including hard floors
Limit stuffed toys on a child’s bed. Freezing stuffed toys overnight weekly will kill dust mites

Medications:

Medications can help control symptoms. There are several over the counter treatments such as antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and saline sprays which may give some relief to your nose and eyes. If these treatments are not effective discuss with your doctor. An allergy skin test or a blood test may be done to confirm a dust mite allergy.

Buy dust mite covers for your bedding here.

Most people don't understand asthma. They might have a vague image of a gasping kid on a hospital bed with a brave but wan smile peeking through an oxygen mask. That used to be me but luckily, I've grown up since then.

Most people don't understand asthma so I explain what an attack feels like - a thick duvet over your face, cutting the air down more and more as it gets worse. No matter how hard you breathe, it's not enough. But it's not just the attacks, it's the sneaky 'mild' symptoms you have to watch for. Without enough air, you can't concentrate or get a good night's sleep. Things build and spiral, little things get the better of your oxygen and sleep deprived brain - it feels a lot like depression or anxiety. Except salvation is just a good management plan away.

Most people don't understand asthma so I've learned to take control of it myself. It's my asthma. Not my workmate's or my partner's or my family's or my doctor's. I've learned to stand up for myself and argue to get the treatment I need. Not everyone takes asthma seriously, and sometimes that includes doctors. I've been told that I had become psychologically addicted to my preventer, and that I should see how things go without it. That came after I told them I couldn't breathe properly in a new environment, that I was using my puffer constantly just to get a clear breath. I don't see that doctor anymore.

Most people don't understand asthma, and honestly that includes me. But if you live with it, and you're not a doctor, you don't have to understand asthma in general. You just have to understand your asthma, because it will be different to anyone else's. Learn the things that set it off, even if they don't seem to make sense. Get an action plan, get a preventer that works and a doctor that listens and learn to stand up for yourself - because it's your asthma and it needs to be you in control of it.

- Henry Booth

Thank you for sharing your story Henry.

Do you relate to this? Please tell us about it on Facebook or share your story today.

If you or anyone else needs support to manage your asthma, please call us on 1800 ASTHMA to speak directly with one of our Respiratory Health Educators.

Chevron City to Surf | Sunday, 25 August 2019

Choose from:

4km fun run, walk or wheelchair
12km run
21km half marathon
42km marathon

This event attracts over 40,00 participants and has a festival atmosphere at both the start in Perth City and the finish at City Beach.

You could set a personal challenge and raise funds to help people with asthma.

Early bird registrations now open!

Never done a fun run?

6 reasons to join in:

1. Feel good. Exercise increases the release of endorphins, makes you feel happy and improves your overall mood.

2. Training routine. Running in the morning in preparation for the big race can really set you up for a good day. Once you start to notice this high, you'll crave it.

3. Goal. Once you sign up you'll have a goal and be more likely to make the effort to train.

4. Fitness. You'll improve your cardiovascular fitness. The ability for the heart, blood cells and lungs to supply oxygen.

5. Social. Don't have someone to run with? That's okay, you won't be alone! You can even join a running group to train with.

6. Inspiration. You'll inspire others and will be helping people in need if you fundraise for your favourite charity.

Did you know that the Institute of Respiratory Health is a not-for-profit organisation we work with that runs clinical trials to improve treatment options for asthma and other related conditions?

You too could get involved as a participant, simply follow the link for more information and to see a list of the current trials.

View current Perth clinical trials

South West visit

Our Health Educators Rael and Eleissa have been visiting our states south west, visiting local health care providers to share our regional support services.

These services improve community access to chronic respiratory disease education and support, via Telehealth where local services are limited or not available.

If you live in the Bunbury or Narrogin regions, or the surrounding areas you can call us to find out where you will be able to access these services locally.

We've heard you

Thanks to everyone who completed our recent consumer survey. We're here to help you, and your feedback not only helps us improve but highlights how we can best support you.

You told us that some of the top challenges faced by those with asthma are... sleep, exercise and managing asthma, as well as the change in seasons and cold weather.

Also, many people said their knowledge of medications and devices, knowing what to do in an emergency, and managing triggers were areas they wanted us to help with. Remember, we're just a phone call away! Call 1800 ASTHMA with any questions or concerns.

You've also asked us to provide more education in schools and workplaces and for health professionals. Watch this space - new initiatives are on the way!

And to ensure your kids aren't sidelined in their favourite sport - we've recently launched a free online program you can share with your local coach. Just send them this link - https://asthmawa.org.au/services/activ8-for-asthma/

Your feedback is always welcome. Simply email ask@asthmawa.org.au.

Thank you to everyone who generously donated to the winter appeal. Funds raised will help more families take control of asthma.

You can still donate if you haven't had the chance.

Help Western Australians breathe better by donating today.

Vale : Doreen Ambler

5 May 1928 – 22 June 2019

In June 2019 we lost one of our long time supporters and volunteers, Doreen Ambler.

Doreen joined Asthma WA as a volunteer in 1966, just two years after it’s inception. In her 46 years of support Doreen worked on many, many raffles, fundraising appeals and was a leader who recruited other volunteers and took charge.

For her outstanding contribution she was awarded Foundation Associate status is 1994, the third person in our organisation’s history to receive this award.

Asthma WA bids farewell to a loyal and generous friend.