Asthma

The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form.  This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date.  If you receive this SMS, please update your details.

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Pre-referral work-up

History

This clinic is for Specialist assessment of patients with life threatening asthma attacks, moderate or severe persistent asthma, patient difficulty with self-management, atypical features and doubt about diagnosis, severe rhinitis, lack of response to treatment, guidance needed re triggers and avoidance.

All referrals should comply with the Referral Standards and specifically include:

  • Frequency of exacerbations, prior hospitalisation
  • Relevant past history and occupational history
  • Family history
  • Allergies
  • Past and current medication
  • Smoking status
  • Compliance with treatment
  • Use of/need for oral corticosteroids

Tests

Pathology:
Any relevant

Imaging:
CXR (where indicated/performed)

Investigations:
Spirometry pre and post bronchodilator

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Respiratory and Sleep Medicine clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

  • Smoking cessation, identify and avoid or control trigger factors
  • Education about illness, inhaler technique
  • Provision of an asthma management plan
  • Annual flu vaccination in patients with severe asthma, see National Vaccination guidelines
  • Allergen avoidance

Please see Health Pathways - Asthma Adults / Children pages.

For more information please see the Tasmanian Health Pathways website.

Emergency

Life threatening severe asthma
Acute exacerbation of asthma not responding to therapy
Asthma with any of the following concerning features:

  • coexistent pneumothorax
  • pneumonia
  • silent chest
  • cardiovascular compromise
  • altered consciousness
  • relative bradycardia
  • decreasing rate and depth of breathing

Urgent / category 1

Frequent exacerbations
Asthma related hospital admission/s in the last 3 months
Need for oral corticosteroids on more than two occasions per year

Semi-urgent / category 2

Moderate or severe persistent asthma
Atypical features and doubt about diagnosi
Inadequate asthma control despite optimal treatment
Asthma with frequent after-hours attendance (ED or after-hours GP) despite optimal treatment

Routine / category 3

difficulty with self-management

Red flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

National Asthma Handbook

Emergency:

Proceed to Emergency Department (ED).
LGH ED Reception  – Phone: (03) 6777 6405  Fax: (03) 6777 5201
MCH ED* – Phone: (03) 6478 5120  Fax: (03) 6441 5923
NWRH ED* – Phone: (03) 6493 6351 Fax: (03) 6464 1926
RHH ED Reception – Phone: (03) 6166 6100  Fax: (03) 6173 0489

Advice for medical practitioners can be given by the Medical Officer In Charge (MOIC) - see HealthPathways Tasmania for contact information.
*MCH and NWRH MOICs request GPs call them prior to referring a patient to ensure the patient is being sent appropriately to a safe destination.

Urgent:

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks.

Patients with suspected lung cancer will be seen within one week.

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Respiratory Department and/or the relevant doctor for urgent assessment.

Semi-urgent:

We will endeavour to see these patients within 12 weeks.

Routine:

Next available appointment.