Asthma

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Spirometry Course 5th-6th Apr 2017

Next Up!! Our seriously in demand Spirometry Course. Get in touch NOW if you want a place on this course. It is already being booked out! Designed and run by a Clinical Physiologist, it's a must have in your arsenal of courses....

Sailor's New Adventure

Asthma Waikato were delighted to have Teresa Demetriou and Chris Lam Sam from the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of NZ attend our celebration event on Feb 7th 2017 in order to officially wish Sailor the Pufferfish well on his new role. Sailor the Pufferfish was born in the Waikato and spent many years travelling around the schools of the Waikato region with entertainer Chris Lam Sam, delighting kids with their important educational asthma message. However, now owing to the partnership formed ...

A New Look

Asthma Waikato has a long and solid history, serving the respiratory needs of the Waikato for over 40 years, with the vision that respiratory illness is no longer a barrier to a full life....

Pippa's Story

After three hospital admissions with breathing problems over the winter in 2015, and three admissions from 2013-2014, my then three year old daughter Phoebe was diagnosed with asthma. We had a referral to Asthma Waikato to discuss a management plan. This was a huge relief, as previously we could only react to her symptoms, with blue reliever inhalers, Redipred, and oxygen. We met with the nurse in September 2015. We had an hour's consultation, where she discussed what asthma is, what can trigg...

Nurse Visit Review - Renee SooChoon

"An amazing outcome for Malachi after following advice given by the asthma nurse. After making a review appointment with his GP and discussing current symptoms we were able to have his inhalers increased to correct dosage, new spacer (who knew they needed yearly changing!!?) and a nasal spray for his hay fever that triggered asthma symptoms. First time in 4 years we really feel on top of both asthma and hay fever – he's a different boy!! Lots of energy, no runny nose, happy! Many, many thanks....

Nurse Visit Review - Bunnies Childcare Centre

"We had a nurse from Asthma Waikato come to Bunnies for an information evening. We had a good mix of staff and parents attend, 15 altogether. We received information on preventers and the correct way to use and care for spacers. We also learned more about the correct use of relievers. We were taught how to make a plan for deciding when an ambulance should be called. The nurse answered lots of queries and there was a great opportunity to ask informal questions at the end. There was also informati...

Asthma Waikato Service Review

"I have had asthma for a few years and this year it was particularly bad. Having been to this clinic I have a much better understanding on asthma and what is best for me to use. The person I saw was amazing. My doctor has received the report and I feel so much more comfortable about my asthma and how to manage it." Keryn Ingram...

Nurse Visit Review - Woodstock School

"The team from Asthma Waikato recently visited Woodstock School and spoke with the staff. We have a student with frequent hospitalisations and this was an opportunity for the team to clarify his ongoing treatment and was a timely refresher for all staff about the triggers/causes/symptoms of asthma and the treatments available. We were shown charts and also had the opportunity to see equipment and models. We had a demonstration on the correct use of the inhaler and spacer as this was the most lik...

Nurse Visit Review - Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga School

"The Asthma Waikato nurse delivered a workshop to all staff after school. We invited her in as we have a student with severe asthma for whom we are helping deliver her plan. All staff I have spoken to this morning were more than happy with the workshop. Great delivery, non-judgemental and we were provided with excellent information. Staff who personally suffer from asthma or have other family members with it all said they learnt something new. The Asthma Waikato nurses are an awesome asset to As...

COPD Exercise Class Review

"Under the capable leadership of Neil (Instructor) and Coordinator, Shona we meet on Wednesdays at 1pm for an hour's exercise. A very friendly group with no pressure on anyone. Do as much as your health permits. Mostly we are seated. At 2pm we have afternoon tea and a chat, then head home." Stephen James...

Spirometry – what is it and what is it for?

By Priya Pattni Clinical Physiologist (Post-grad CRFS)...

COPD Exercise Class Review

Hello my name is Ivan and I have been diagnosed with COPD. After hearing about the exercise classes that Asthma Waikato were running I decided I would go and see what it was all about which is a big thing for me as I am very shy. The first time I went I found it more enjoyable doing exercises in a group environment with an instructor and music compared with doing exercises by myself. Even though I get short of puff it is not so embarrassing as most of the group are in the same situation having C...

Spirometry Course 9th-10th Feb 2017

Next Up!! Our seriously in demand Spirometry Course. Get in touch NOW if you want a place on this course. It is already being booked out! Designed and run by a Clinical Physiologist, it's a must have in your arsenal of courses....

COPD Exercise Class Review

"I initially joined the asthma group at Beerescourt Bowling Club on Maeroa Road on the recommendation of Mina Swart from the Waikato Hospital Physio Dept. She felt the exercises and camaraderie within the group would help me retain and improve my abilities to managing my health on a day to day basis. This is working for me. A group of friendly cheerful people have made me welcome and I enjoy my time with them all." Jean Hollingsworth...

Waikato Hospital Review of Asthma Waikato Service

To whom it may concern, I have been using the services of Asthma Waikato from the time that I joined the Paediatric Service at Waikato Hospital, as a locum Paediatrician, in early July 2016. I cannot speak highly enough of the quality of the service that [Asthma Waikato] has provided for the children (and their respective families) that have been referred to Asthma Waikato. [They] have met up with the families promptly, made thorough assessments of those factors contributing to their respirat...

We can help link you with other Health Professionals

Recently I had a client who lived in an older freezing home. Both she and her two small daughters have asthma with one having frequent ICU admissions. The new baby girl had several attacks of bronchiolitis with one admission to ICU. Even though she was under 1 year of age, because of the family history, a diagnosis of asthma was made and she was commenced on preventer medication. The family moved house into a warmer home, insulated and with efficient heating. This has improved the children's ...

COPD Exercise Class Review

"Wednesday is early lunch and off to the Beerescourt Bowling Club rooms. Shona greets us at the door, checks on how we are then it is a pleasure to look round the room and see old friends and welcome new ones. Neil arrives with his music and exercise equipment and off we go for an hour of gentle exercise and lots of fun (and some puffing). I feel Neil is the secret of success of the group. We have known him since he was a bachelor and have followed his progress through dancing classes, travel, m...

Got COPD? Excercise will help most of you

COPD is a chronic lung disease, which affects breathing and energy levels. If these symptoms are increasingly evident on a day to day basis, your quality of life can be affected. Fear of leaving your home due to breathlessness, can lead you down a spiral of emotionally isolating feelings of hopelessness. This is why exercise is one of the components vital in the management of COPD (along with stopping smoking). I had a client who was diagnosed with COPD 2 years ago. When I first visited her, s...

Asthma Waikato - Always here to help

Recently a G.P. referred a lady for spirometry (lung function testing). Her symptoms were continual shortness of breath impacting on her daily activities. There was no history of asthma in the family, she had never smoked or worked in conditions that may affect her breathing. She presented as being short of breath but scored a normal spirometry reading. After taking reliever medication we repeated the test to see whether there was any improvement but nothing changed. Why then was this lady so br...