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Asthma Clinic & Spirometry
Asthma can affect anyone. One in ten people in Australia has asthma. It affects people of all ages. Some people will be affected by it when they are younger and some when they’re older.
Asthma cannot be cured, but for most people it can be well controlled and managed.
Asthma Clinic
At Civic Park Medical Clinic we offer a comprehensive Asthma Clinic.
The Asthma Clinic is performed by our qualified practice nurses in conjunction with the relevant treating doctor to help keep our asthmatic patients informed and manage their condition. These appointments generally run for 20 minutes.
Our practice nurse will help you by:
- Documenting your diagnosis and assessing the severity of your asthma and the level of control you have over it
- Reviewing your use of, and access to, asthma related medication and devices
- Providing a written asthma action plan to help you recognise deterioration in your condition and respond properly
- Providing asthma self-management education
- Reviewing your asthma action plan on a regular basis
Spirometry
A large part of asthma assessment is based on a lung function test called a Spirometry. You will need to book an appointment with a practice nurse to have this done. These tests are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
If you are having a spirometry done, please observe the following:
- Please do not take your preventer inhaler (generally Symbicort) within 12 hours of having the test
- Please do not take your Ventolin or reliever inhaler (generally Seretide) within 2-4 hours of having the test
- This test cannot be performed if you have been prescribed and are actively taking prednisolone or other steroids, or antibiotics for a chest infection. You will need to make an appointment for 3-5 days after you have finished the course
- Do not undertake any vigorous exercise within 30 minutes of the test
- Please refrain from eating a substantial meal within 2 hours of the test
- Please refrain from smoking for 24 hours prior to the test
- Please refrain from alcohol for 4 hours prior to the test
Please allow at least 30 minutes for the test, and bring your inhaler.
If you’re unsure if you have asthma it’s best to speak to your GP, as they can help manage it before it gets worse.
