A Bourke nurse is urging people with asthma to be vigilant as the Western Plains heads into the peak season for triggers.

Weeds, trees, plants and grass release pollen into the air during Spring, which often means a spike in asthma attacks.

Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (BACHS) Community Nurse Amandy Zaky said it's "essential" to be on top of the condition.

"It can often occur with little to no warning," she said.

"The impacts can range from mild shortness of breath to respiratory arrest depending on the severity of the individual’s illness.

"It is also essential for individuals who are diagnosed with asthma and have been prescribed a preventative mediation to take this as per the doctors’ recommendations.

"It is important for people with asthma to know their triggers and to manage these as best they are able."

Australia recorded 467 asthma-related deaths in 2022, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). That increased from 355 in 2021. PHOTO: Flickr/ Alan Levine

That could mean avoiding certain types of food and animals, although triggers may vary from person to person, according to Asthma Australia. 

Household items like dust and mould can also contribute to asthma symptoms.

Ms Zaky said people with asthma should create an Asthma Management plan with their doctor.

"An accurate up-to-date Asthma Management Plan is vitally important as if used correctly can greatly improve quality of life and in some instances even save lives," she said.

"People in Bourke are able to attend BACHS and see a GP who would be able to assist them with developing an Asthma Management Plan."

Ms Zaky said the plan should include best ways to manage the illness on a day-to-day basis and an action plan in case of an asthma attack.

She also said to always have an inhaler on hand.

Over 460 asthma hotspots

The advice follows research published in June this year by Global Health Research Policy which found asthma in 0-14-year-olds was more prevalent in poorer areas.

The peer-reviewed work identified 465 asthma hotspots across Australia.

Of those, 393 were in areas with above-average Indigenous populations.

"More than 60 per cent of the identified asthma hotspots were located in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas," the report said.

Researchers found the average prevalence of childhood asthma across Australia sits at around 6.3 per cent.

Areas were classed hotspots if they were next to other areas which also had a higher than average prevalence, and locations have yet to be released.