Community members gathered for an informative night focused on asthma and hay fever management recently, with a range of helpful advice shared.

A panel of experts led the Asthma and Hay Fever Seminar at Moama Bowling Club, organised by The Zoe Kennedy Foundation and Moama Village Pharmacy.

With the arrival of spring, the seminar served as a timely reminder for those who suffer from both conditions to consider how to best manage them.

Moderated by Clint Flanigan, the discussion opened with insights from respiratory and sleep physician Kate Carroll, who discussed the prevalence of the conditions.

Community pharmacist and asthma educator Sherri Barden said one in nine Australians were reported to have asthma, while one in five were reported to have hay fever.

“When we talk about asthma, it could be three girls or boys on a football team, three boys or girls in a classroom. Then that could be doubled with allergic rhinitis (hay fever),” she said.

“Up to 80 per cent of patients with asthma have allergic rhinitis, so it’s really important, whenever we’re addressing a patient with asthma, that we’re looking at their upper airway to make sure that it’s well controlled.”

GP Sam Kennedy has seen the effects of asthma both professionally and personally, and spoke about how the condition was diagnosed.

As the uncle of Zoe Kennedy, who tragically lost her life from an acute asthma attack at age 13, Sam also acted as a representative for her namesake foundation.

Lachlan Kennedy, Zoe’s father and founder of her foundation, spoke about his family’s loss.

Ms Barden said there was a particular interest in teenage asthma on the night, and Zoe’s story highlighted the importance of having discussions about asthma prevention.

“The big thing is that everyone with asthma should have an action plan so they know how to escalate their treatment, or how to manage their symptoms when they start to lose control,” she said.

“Hay fever can flare up asthma, so it’s really important at this time of year to treat the hay fever properly.”

Panel member Kaliste Fordham said her life had been significantly impacted by both conditions, but credited Ms Barden’s asthma plan for its life-changing help.

First aid educator John Carey was also invited as a guest speaker, and gave attendees an overview of asthma first aid.

The event is expected to return next year, and discussions are under way about holding the seminar in another regional town.

To find out more about the Zoe Kennedy Foundation or donate to its cause, visit zoekennedy.com.au

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