Take a deep breath WA
World Asthma Day
Tuesday 6 May
Take a deep breath WA
Ever noticed that when you start thinking about your breathing…it suddenly feels harder? Now, imagine being conscious of your breathing, every single day. For thousands of Western Australians with asthma, that’s reality.
For years, young Samuel struggled with his breathing. At first, it was just being out of breath a little more quickly than his friends when playing or being unable to shake off a cough after a cold.
As time went by, Samuel’s ability to breathe became more difficult, more often. Worried, his family visited the GP on several occasions before they were referred to Respiratory Care WA’s (RCWA) Children’s Respiratory Hub.
By this time, Samuel was experiencing serious asthma flare-ups, requiring emergency steroid treatment and using over-the-counter Ventolin regularly. Although his condition appeared to be asthma, the family were struggling to access specialist testing for an accurate diagnosis.
Samuel’s mum Kelly recalls the first day that she was contacted by the RCWA team.
“Within days of the referral being sent to the team, I was contacted by RCWA to talk through Samuel’s symptoms. The team found us appointments quickly and set up an initial call with Jess, the Clinical Lead for Children’s Respiratory Services.”
”We went from feeling lost within the system, to feeling heard and supported. Knowing that there were experts that we could phone or email, immediately made a difference,"
- Kelly.
At the Hub, Samuel received a thorough diagnosis following lung function testing. The specialist testing equipment showed that Sam had significant inflammation of his lungs. RCWA Respiratory Specialist Dr Stephen Oo walked them through Sam’s condition and treatment options.
“From our very first visit, I felt confident in the care and expertise of the RCWA team. We left that appointment not just with answers – but with a plan and support.”
#TakeaDeepBreathWA
Anne Hallam, CEO of Respiratory Care WA, says at RCWA, our team works tirelessly to ensure people with respiratory conditions can access free education, diagnosis and ongoing support—so they can take control of their asthma and live their best lives.
“World Asthma Day is coming up on the 6 May and to raise awareness, RCWA is asking all Western Australians to pause and to “Take a Deep Breath” in support for those who struggle to do so,” says Ms Hallam.
“We’re asking all Western Australians to step into the shoes of someone with asthma. Take a Deep Breath—and make it matter as something so simple for most, can be a daily struggle for many.”
On World Asthma Day members of the RCWA team will be out and about at Yagan Square and Murray Street Mall hosting pause points where people can Take a Deep Breath and donate to support Western Australians living with asthma.
Let’s come together and make breathing easier for everyone! 💙
