Two thirds of Aussies not monitoring asthma

New research has found that most Australians are not monitoring their asthma, despite its reported impact on their lifestyle and emotional wellbeing.

The Asthma Insights Research (AIR) study, conducted by Galaxy Research on behalf of iSonea, surveyed 1,000 Australians with asthma and found that asthma causes anxiety, fatigue, frustration, sadness and fear in a significant number of Australians.

iSonea’s chief executive, Michael Thomas, said Australia has the highest rate of asthma in the world, affecting more than two million people and claiming 400 lives each year.

“The Asthma Insights Research report demonstrates that many people are not monitoring their asthma regularly, despite clinical recommendations advising patients to self-monitor,” Mr Thomas said.

“We suspect part of the problem is the hassle of asthma diaries and inefficiency of peak flow meters.”

A new device which makes monitoring asthma easy is set to change the behaviours of people affected. AirSonea is a handheld device that turns a patient’s smartphone into a portable wheeze monitor. The user holds AirSonea against his or her throat to get an objective reading of wheeze, a cardinal sign of asthma associated with airway obstruction.  The device is small enough to be used anywhere, anytime. It also provides accurate data to help doctors with patient reviews.  

“Regular use of AirSonea during daily activities will help inform people with asthma about whether their wheeze is increasing, decreasing or remaining stable,” Mr Thomas said. “It provides objective information about response to treatment, triggers and symptoms. This information will help people become more aware of their symptoms and vigilant about their risks, with the intention of helping them be more attentive to their doctors’ treatment plans.”

Olympic legend Cathy Freeman first became aware of her asthma symptoms on a humid day in Darwin during her late teens. “I didn’t realise it was asthma,” she said. “All of a sudden I just found it really hard to breathe. I was wheezing.  

“Since I retired from professional athletics, I nearly stopped running altogether because I was just so frustrated with my asthma symptoms,” Ms Freeman said.

She has been trialling AirSonea and claims she feels more confident knowing that “just at my fingertips I can measure the percentage of my wheeze. I’m excited because I feel in control.”

AirSonea is available for purchase online from today at www.airsonea.com.au