Paediatric Asthma Care Masterclass: Addressing Reliever Over-Reliance

Posted Thursday 22 May 2025 | Asthma Australia

This webinar aims to address the complex cycle of reliever over-reliance in children with asthma. Practical techniques in identifying sub-optimal asthma control, along with exploring psychological dependence on relievers and how to encourage best-practice asthma care will be discussed. 

A presentation covering the latest evidence and thinking, followed by a case study discussion involving a multidisciplinary panel, will explore the clinical impact on children of over-reliance on short-acting beta agonists (SABAs) and how small changes in practice can lead to better long-term outcomes. Practical tips and tools will be shared, with ample opportunity for interactive discussion with webinar panel and participants. 

The overarching objective is to support the quality use of medicines in the management of asthma to prevent flare-ups in children, and help people breathe better so they can live freely. 

Learn from a multidisciplinary panel across the asthma care spectrum with real-world insights from clinicians and families, including: 

• A/Prof Chris Pearce, Victoria – General Practitioner, Moderator 
• Prof Paul Robinson, Queensland Children’s Hospital – Paediatric Respiratory Specialist  
• Dr Kirsty Tamis, Victoria – General Practitioner 
• Ms Samantha Kourtis, Canberra – Community Pharmacist 
• Ms Gaylene Basset, Tasmania – Nurse Practitioner Paediatric Respiratory and Allergy 
• An Asthma Australia educator 
• A parent of a child with asthma.

Join colleagues nationwide at this interactive online event to enhance your skills and elevate your approach to paediatric asthma care. On completion of the webinar, participants will: 

• Identify how to recognise over-reliance on reliever medication in paediatric asthma patients and their families.  
• Understand the evidence on why over reliance on SABA has long-term consequences, and the guideline recommendations for age-appropriate asthma management to prevent flare-ups in primary school-aged children. 
• Implement best practice asthma care, translating evidence-based guidelines into clinical practice to support the quality use of medicines for improved long-term outcomes.  
• Routinely use the Asthma Action Plan alongside patient education with children and their carers to facilitate behaviour change to prevent overuse of SABA and prevent related risks.