Tomorrow is World Asthma Day, it kicks off a nationwide week-long campaign showcasing new research and medication.

Experts say with the change of season, asthma events can become more severe.

Gabrielle Lyons reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Today, the Prince Charles Hospital hosted a World Asthma Day Symposium.

One hundred and twenty healthcare professionals attended the event to learn new methods of monitoring asthma now winter is almost upon us.

This year’s key focus is on living a normal lifestyle, despite dealing with this severe medical condition.

Mark Brooke, Asthma Foundation CEO: “20-25 years ago, asthma was killing more Australians than car accidents in this country. I think Australia is a world leader in reducing the number of deaths.”

Twenty-five per cent of asthma sufferers are unaware of how to control their asthma on a day-to-day basis.

This year, the Asthma Foundation’s ‘Live, Laugh, Play’ survey demonstrates that having asthma shouldn’t get in the way of a normal lifestyle.

The survey involved questioning more than a thousand Australians aged over 18 on how asthma effects their daily life.

Mark Brooke, Asthma Foundation CEO: “We are very lucky to live in this country where we are able to provide people with the best quality medications.”

That helps reduce the cost to society and allows sufferers the freedom to confidently ‘Live, Laugh, Play’.

Professor Jo Douglass, keynote speaker: “In the next decade, I think things will really change and I think it’s really good to be at the front of that and to alert people that the world of asthma is changing and we can do more than we have done in the past.”

Those wanting more information about asthma treatments during the cooler months should contact their GP or visit the Asthma Foundation’s website.

Gabrielle Lyons, QUT News.