Spring may be one of the most beautiful times of year however, for many of the 600,000 Victorians with asthma it can be a nightmare.

Spring not only heralds the arrival of warmer weather but it also marks the start of the pollen season.  High pollen in the air can be a major trigger for asthma.

With this in mind, from September 1 the Asthma Foundation of Victoria will list the pollen count on its new website, www.asthma.org.au.

The Foundation is using National Asthma Week, September 1 - 7 to remind the community that asthma is serious and people with the condition need to do something about it.

This includes knowing what triggers asthma, effectively using medication and having a written Asthma Action Plan.

Every year more than 120 Victorians, or 10 per month, die because of asthma and many of these deaths can be avoided.  Asthma is the major reason why children attend emergency hospital wards and a leading cause of school absenteeism.

The disease is also a major cause of workplace absenteeism, either because employees are ill themselves, or need to take time off work to care for a sick child with the condition.

However, effective asthma management can minimise the condition's impact.  To assist Victorians to manage their asthma better, the Foundation has developed an online monitoring sy;ster as part of its new website.

Known as AIMS, Asthma Improvement Monitoring System, the program allows people with asthma who register to receive warnings on days when environmental factors may trigger asthma.

The new system also allows asthma sufferers to chart their condition and receive an SMA reminder to see a doctor if their situation is worsening.

For details residents are encouraged to visit www.asthma.org.au or telephone the Foundation's HelpLine on 1800 645 130 between 9.30am and 3.00pm Monday to Friday.

Sighted Warracknabeal Herald, 27 August 2010