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ACTIVE WITH ASTHMA
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14 October 2003
to certain triggers, the airways narrow, and
cause breathing diffi culty. The airways narrow
because the muscles around the airways tighten,
the inside lining of the airways swell and extra
mucous is produced.
The narrowing of the airways can cause
a range of symptoms, including coughing,
wheezing and/or shortness of breath.
The cause of asthma is not known and it can
begin at any age and change over time.
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Asthma in Australia
More than two million people in Australia
have asthma. Up to one in four children,
one in seven adolescents and one in ten
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adults will experience asthma symptoms at
some time in their lives. The prevalence of
asthma in Australia has doubled in the past
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fifteen years. Asthma is one of the leading
causes of absenteeism from school and
work, childhood admission to hospital, and
is among the ten most common reasons for
seeing a general practitioner.
Despite these alarming statistics, most
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people with asthma are able to lead a normal,
active life. That’s the important message behind
Melbourne graphic designer Mike Heine has this stamp issue and the 2003 National Asthma
created a bright, optimistic design based on Week campaign.
the slogan, ‘active with asthma’. The design
incorporates fi gures engaged in a range of 8 October Asthma 2003 treatment
active pursuits, symbolising the successful Although asthma cannot be cured, it
management of asthma. The single 50c design can generally be well managed. Education,
is produced in a sheetlet of ten x 50c. The issue understanding, regular review and a written
includes a sheetlet pack, fi rst day cover and a asthma action plan are essential to good asthma
maximum card . The issue date coincides with management.
Asthma Australia’s annual National Asthma An action plan outlines what medications to
Week campaign from 12 to 18 October 2003. take when, how to recognise increasing asthma
symptoms, what to do when asthma is worse
What is asthma?
and when to seek medical help. Good asthma
People with asthma have sensitive airways in management enables most people with asthma
their lungs. When the airways are exposed to lead full and active lives.
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