Major update to asthma treatment guidelines focuses on prevention
18 Sep 2025
The Australian Asthma Handbook Version 3.0 (2025), released by the National Asthma Council Australia, now recommends the use of anti-inflammatory reliever inhalers for adults and adolescents. These medicines not only provide fast relief during an asthma flare-up but also treat airway inflammation – the root cause of ongoing attacks.
For many years, Australians have relied on blue reliever inhalers for immediate symptom relief. While effective in emergencies, these inhalers do not treat inflammation, leaving patients at risk of repeat flare-ups and hospital visits.
Asthma Australia Board Member and GP Dr Chris Pearce said the update marks a turning point in asthma care.
“Blue relievers can be lifesaving, but they don’t address the underlying inflammation that makes asthma dangerous. Anti-inflammatory relievers work just as quickly to ease symptoms and, importantly, also reduce airway inflammation. The aim is fewer flare-ups, fewer hospitalisations and better quality of life for people with asthma.”
Asthma remains one of the nation’s most common chronic health conditions. In 2022, nearly 2.8 million Australians lived with asthma – one in nine people. Recent figures show more than 31,000 hospitalisations, around 97,000 emergency presentations, and 474 deaths in a single year, most of which were considered preventable with better management.
Dr Pearce said the new guidelines are designed to prevent these outcomes.
“Too many Australians are still ending up in hospital or losing their lives to asthma. These changes are about stopping flare-ups before they happen.”
The new recommendations apply to people aged 12 years and older. Other preventer treatments remain available for children under 12.
Asthma Australia will work with health professionals, pharmacists and the community to support a smooth transition to the updated approach.
What this means for you:
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For people with asthma: Speak with your GP about whether the new guidelines affect your treatment plan.
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For health professionals: Familiarise yourself with the updated Handbook to ensure best practice care.
Source: Asthma Australia / National Asthma Council Australia
