Breathing problems can affect every part of daily life. At Mediclinic in Clayton South, our GPs and Nurse Practitioner help children and adults manage asthma, COPD and other respiratory conditions. If you are looking for an asthma educator in Clayton, Nurse Practitioner Vara Perikala is a qualified Asthma Educator.
Good day-to-day management can help you breathe more easily, stay active and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Meet our asthma educator in Clayton
Vara Perikala is a Nurse Practitioner and Asthma Educator. She has three decades of experience in general practice and hospital settings, including respiratory medicine, intensive care and emergency care.
Vara’s approach focuses on prevention. She aims to help people with asthma, COPD and other chronic conditions stay well and avoid hospital admissions where possible.
You can also see one of our GPs for respiratory and acute medicine, including Dr Xue-Feng Hu, who has a background in emergency medicine and intensive care.
Asthma care
Asthma is a common, long-term condition where the airways become narrow and inflamed. It can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be triggered by colds, exercise, allergies, smoke, weather changes and more.
At an asthma appointment, we can help with:
- checking your symptoms and how well your asthma is controlled
- reviewing your medicines, including preventer and reliever inhalers
- checking your inhaler technique, which makes a big difference to how well medicines work
- identifying and managing your triggers
- preparing or updating your written asthma action plan
- action plans for children for school, kinder or childcare
What is an asthma action plan? It’s a written plan that tells you what to do every day, what to do when symptoms get worse, and what to do in an emergency. Everyone with asthma should have one, and it should be reviewed regularly.
COPD and other respiratory conditions
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that makes it harder to breathe. It is more common in people who smoke or have smoked. We can help with:
- reviewing medicines and inhaler technique
- planning for flare-ups
- support to quit smoking
- flu, COVID-19 and other recommended vaccinations
- referrals to pulmonary rehabilitation or respiratory physicians when needed
We also see people for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), chest infections, ongoing coughs and other breathing problems.
Lung function testing
Spirometry is a simple breathing test that measures how much air you can blow out and how fast. We offer spirometry as part of our workplace medicals. Ask your practitioner whether lung function testing is right for you, or whether a referral is needed. See employment medicals.
Ongoing care with a plan
If you have asthma or COPD, your GP may suggest a chronic disease management plan. This helps organise regular reviews and can include referrals to allied health.
Book an appointment
Book with Nurse Practitioner Vara Perikala or one of our GPs online at /book/ or call (03) 9544 1555.
Bring your inhalers
Bring all your inhalers, spacers and any current action plan so we can check your technique and medicines.
Review and plan
We review your symptoms and treatment, and prepare or update your action plan.
Follow up
We arrange regular reviews to keep your plan up to date.
Fees
Mediclinic is a mixed-billing practice. Bulk billing may be offered at the practitioner’s discretion for some eligible patients. Fees may change, so see /fees/ or ask reception.
Severe asthma attack: If someone has severe difficulty breathing, can’t speak in full sentences, or their reliever isn’t helping, call 000 straight away and follow asthma first aid.
What does an asthma educator do?
An asthma educator helps you understand your asthma, use your inhalers correctly, recognise and manage triggers, and follow a written asthma action plan.
How often should my asthma be reviewed?
Your practitioner will advise you. Regular reviews are a good idea, and you should book sooner if your symptoms are getting worse or you are using your reliever more often.
Can children see Vara for asthma?
Yes. Nurse Practitioner Vara Perikala sees adults and children for asthma, including action plans for school and childcare.
Do you do spirometry?
Spirometry is offered as part of our workplace medicals. Ask your practitioner whether it is suitable for your asthma or COPD assessment, or whether a referral is needed.
Should I bring my inhalers?
Yes. Please bring all your inhalers and spacers so we can check your technique.