Asthma Buddy is Australia’s most popular asthma management app.

Released by the National Asthma Council Australia, the app is available in Android and iPhone versions. The Asthma Buddy app was developed by doctors using the latest research into asthma.

Asthma Action Plan in your Phone

For Australians with asthma, it gives instant access to actions they and those around them need to take should their asthma symptoms flare up. The app also provides a convenient way to keep track of regular medications and to monitor asthma symptoms.

It can be used by individuals to manage their own asthma but also by parents and carers to manage their child's asthma.

National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson Professor Adam Jaffé, paediatric respiratory specialist, said: “Given our mobile lifestyles, the Asthma Buddy app is a convenient and easy way to carry your asthma action plan with you and help manage your asthma. “We advise all Australians with asthma to develop an asthma action plan with their doctor so that they or their carer can take early action to prevent or reduce the severity of an asthma attack. "As paper action plans are not always accessible when asthma symptoms worsen, having your plan on your mobile phone means you can get customised advice when you need it most.”

Quick Action Saves Lives

Research has confirmed that people who have an asthma action plan and who are quickly engaged in the care process, have fewer asthma attacks, take fewer days off work or school, and reduce their reliever medication use.

Most importantly, action plans help avoid emergency visits to the hospital and provide peace of mind for people with asthma and their families.

Asthma Buddy Features

• Record your preventer and reliever medication plan
• Reference peak flow values (when your medication is used)
• Know what to do in case of emergency
• Quickly access first aid for asthma instructions right on your phone
• Email PDF copies of your asthma action plan
• Record and access contact details for your doctor or emergency contact person

Free for All

The National Asthma Council Australia developed the Android version in response to the success of its first iPhone app, which quickly proved popular with the whole asthma community — from people with asthma and their families, to the doctors and nurses treating asthma.

Based on user feedback, the Android app also contains new features, including a journal function and the ability to store multiple profiles, making the app a useful tool for families.

The National Asthma Council Australia's Asthma Buddy app is available free of charge.

Visit the National Asthma Council Australia’s website  to download the app.

With more than two million asthmatics, Australia has one of the highest prevalence rates of asthma in the world. In 2011 alone, 386 people died from the disease (the latest available figures).

Anyone experiencing asthma-like symptoms should visit their doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and management advice.

For more information on first aid training in asthma and anaphylaxis, for individuals or groups.