Asthma

When Should I Consult a Doctor for Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition and it is important to seek medical attention as early as possible. With the right medication, it is easy to manage mild asthma flare-ups and people around you would know what to do in case of a serious flare-up. You can speak to a doctor if:

• Wheezing: If you have persistent wheezing and coughing.
• Shortness of Breath: Ongoing breathlessness or constant tightness in the chest, even when lying down.
• Family History: If you have asthma or allergies running in your genes.
• Medication Ineffectiveness: Quick-relief meds aren’t working or needed more frequently.
• Other Symptoms: Feeling faint, dizzy, weak, or struggling with routine activities.
• Colour Change: Lips or fingernails turning blue or grey.

Please Note: Asthma should be treated immediately to ensure the condition doesn’t get worse. An online doctor can assess the situation and help you with the medication. For severe symptoms, dial 000 or visit the nearest hospital.

Causes of Asthma

Many triggers can cause asthma such as:

• Allergens such as pollen, mould, or dust.
• Certain food items.
• Bushfire smoke or smoke from cigarettes or industries.
• Air pollution.
• Certain chemicals in perfumes, cleaning products, paints, or other aerosol products.
• Physical activity.
• Infections that narrow your airways.
• If children are born with low birth weight or premature.

Asthma Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of asthma are:

• Wheezing: A whistling sound when breathing, especially on exhaling.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty catching your breath or feeling out of breath.
• Chest Tightness: A sensation of pressure or constriction in the chest.
• Coughing: Often worse at night or early in the morning, or after certain physical activity and sometimes persistent.
• Difficulty Sleeping: Due to coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
• More serious symptoms include difficulty with speaking, blue lips, increased respiratory rate, etc.

How Does Telehealth Work for Asthma Treatment?

Telehealth for asthma management allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, offering convenience and flexibility. Get easy consultations with licensed online doctors in Australia within 15 minutes once you choose the consultation type, complete an online form, and payment. Telehealth allows getting your asthma prescriptions or online specialist referrals easily. Here are some benefits of telehealth:

• 24/7 Access: Get instant access to registered medical practitioners round-the-clock.
• Flexibility: Speak to a doctor in your break or from the comfort of your home.
• Medication Management: Never miss a dose of medicine with instant scripts for asthma.
• Other Telehealth Services: Get your blood test referrals, specialist referrals, pharmacy delivery, and medical certificate online for asthma.

Does Asthma Reduce by Age?

Asthma may start at any age and the symptoms could change as the patient ages, but it might not go away entirely. Children who experience asthma due to certain allergies could experience a reduction in symptoms as they grow up as they outgrow the allergies. However, for many people, asthma persists into adulthood, and asthma symptoms can vary over time due to factors like hormonal changes, lifestyle, and environmental triggers.

What Does Asthma Feel Like?

Patients suffering from asthma could often feel tightness in the chest, difficulty in breathing, and as though something is squeezing or pressing down on their lungs. Especially during an asthma attack, the shortness of breath seems more evident. Symptoms can become more intense and are often accompanied by coughing and a feeling of anxiety or panic due to the struggle for air.

Can I Get a Referral Online to See a Specialist?

Yes, you can get an online referral to see a specialist within minutes through Hola Health. Online referrals are issued 24/7 and can be requested from the comfort of your home. Along with specialist referrals, you can also obtain pathology test referrals, radiology, and blood test referrals with Hola.

Can an Online Doctor Help If the Doctor Near Me Is Not Available?

Yes, an online doctor can be accessed from anywhere in Australia, making it convenient for people who cannot find doctor appointments, people living in rural/remote areas, and people with mobility issues. Stop searching for “doctor near me” and embrace the convenience of telehealth appointments with Hola Health.

What If I Need to Speak to a Doctor After Hours?

Hola offers 24/7 virtual doctor appointments, making it easy to speak to a qualified doctor in Australia after hours, on weekends, or on public holidays. With our after-hours doctor consultations, you can speak to a licensed medical practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia.

How Can We Help?

We provide a fast and convenient way for you to see a doctor from the comfort of your own home, or on the go with your phone or any smart device. Using our secure telehealth platform, you can have a video call with a registered health practitioner or a doctor on-demand in 15 minutes or less. We’re open every day, 24 hours a day – including public holidays – because we know mental health conditions, illness, and injury can happen anytime, day or night, and need immediate medical attention.

Much like an in-person GP clinic, our telehealth doctor will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including:

• Pre-existing conditions, family history, and lifestyle.
• Preferred treatment options and how to access them.
• Individualised advice to manage your condition.
• Referrals or scripts for various conditions (if required) at the discretion of the doctor.

Talk to a Doctor Today

Telehealth helps you connect with an AHPRA-licensed online doctor within minutes. Hola Health provides 24/7 access to qualified medical practitioners in Australia within 15 minutes for:

• Telehealth appointment
• Instant scripts
• Medical certificate
• Doctor referral