 Why do people get Asthma?
The causes of asthma are not fully understood, but there is often a family history of asthma, eczema or hayfever. There is also evidence that exposure to certain things, for example cigarette smoke during pregnancy and early childhood, increases the risk of developing asthma.
Asthma is more prevalent in developed countries. Some researchers believe our 'clean' lifestyle contributes to the development of asthma.
Asthma can occur for the first time at any age and can change over time.
What is asthma?
People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs. When exposed to certain 'triggers' their airways narrow, making it hard for them to breathe.
Three main factors cause the airways to become narrow:
- The inside lining of the airways becomes red and swollen (inflammation)
- Extra mucus (sticky fluid) may be produced
- The muscle around the airways tighten (bronchoconstriction)
How do you recognise asthma?
- A dry, irritating, persistent cough, particularly at night, early morning, with exercise or activity
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheeze
What triggers asthma symptoms?
Once someone has asthma, symptoms are set off or made worse by 'triggers'. These can include: 
- Colds and flu
- Cigarette smoke
- Exposure to cigarette smoke (passive smoking)
- Exercise
- Inhaled allergens (eg pollens, moulds, animal dander and dust mites)
- Environmental factors (eg dust, pollution, woodsmoke, bush fires)
- Changes in temperature and weather
- Certain medications (eg aspirin)
- Chemicals and strong smells (eg perfumes, cleaners)
- Emotional factors (eg laughter, stress)
- Some foods and food preservatives, flavourings and colourings (uncommon)
Every person's asthma is different. Not all people will have the same triggers, nor will they react to all those in the above list. You may not always know what triggers your asthma but it is helpful to identify the cause in order to avoid it. However, this is not always possible (eg colds and flu). Your doctor or local Asthma Foundation can assist you.
Can asthma be cured?
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Most people with asthma can carry out their daily activities without asthma symptoms. Good asthma management allows you to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
What is an Asthma Action Plan?
An Asthma Action Plan is a written set of instructions prepared in partnership with your doctor that assists you to manage your asthma at different times. Your plan should help you to:
Early attention to worsening asthma may prevent you from having a serious attack. Ask your doctor for a written Asthma Action Plan.
For more detailed information download a copy of the brochure Asthma: the basic facts
Visit our Brochures page to view and download a range of asthma brochures
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A significant proportion of the Australian population has asthma. The prevalence of asthma in Australia is high by international standards
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In Australia in 2007/08 there were approximately 2.1 million people, or 10.2% of the population, reported having current to long term asthma (9% of males and 4% females). Asthma affects 11.5% of children (approximately 1 in 6) and 9.9% - 15%% of adults have asthma (approximately 1 in 9).
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The prevalence of asthma in Australia increased through the 1980s and 1990s (8% in 1989-90 and 11% in 1995), but evidence suggests there has been no further increase in recent years
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In Victoria approximately 600,000 people are currently receiving treatment for asthma
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Overall, the prevalence of asthma does not differ substantially among the states or territories or between major cities, inner regional areas and outer regional and remote areas
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Asthma is less common among Australians who were born in non-English-speaking countries than among other Australians
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Asthma is more common among Indigenous Australians, particularly adults, than among other Australians
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Approximately one-third to one-half of adults with asthma have moderate or severe disease
Deaths due to asthma
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In 2007, 385 Australians died from asthma, 132 males and 225 females. Of the total number of deaths 99 were in Victoria, which accounted for 20.5% of Australian deaths. The number of deaths due to asthma has continued to decline
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Asthma deaths increased from 1979, peaking in 1989. Since 1989 the death rate has decreased markedly, but the rate of asthma deaths in Australia is still high in comparison to other countries
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Asthma deaths occur in all age groups, while very few deaths occur in childhood, the risk of dying from asthma increases with age. 76% of all deaths due to asthma occur in people aged 60 years and over, with 90% of the deaths in Victoria in the 50+ age group. Older people with asthma have an increased risk of dying from asthma during winter
Children and asthma
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Estimates of the prevalence of current asthma in children aged 0 - 15 years is 11.3%.
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The prevalence of asthma in children in Australia is high compared with most other countries
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In primary school-aged children, asthma is more common among boys than among girls. After teenage years, more women have asthma than men
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Children more frequently attend emergency departments for asthma in the few weeks after the beginning of each school term. This may be due to increased spread of respiratory infections when children go back to school
Health care for people with asthma
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Asthma is commonly managed in general practice. General practitioners (GPs) are usually the first point of contact for asthma management and also provide support and ongoing care.
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On average 2.3% of all GP consultations were asthma-related (10.5 asthma-related GP visits per 100 population) during the period April 2004 to March 2007.
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Asthma can be largely controlled by good management, under the guidance of a GP. Written asthma action plans have been shown to greatly improve the outcomes of asthma and reduce attacks. Despite this, very few children or adults with asthma have these plans
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Children aged 0 to 4 years are the group that most commonly visits GPs or emergency departments or is hospitalized for asthma
Impact of asthma on quality of life
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People with asthma report poorer general health and quality of life than people without asthma
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More people with asthma suffer with anxiety and depression than people without asthma
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Disturbed sleep is a common problem among both adults and children with asthma
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Asthma can result in time off work or school and some restriction of participation in physical and social activities. A greater proportion of people with asthma report having days away from work or study over a 2-week period (16.6%) than people without asthma (10.7%) who were away from work for any illness.
Smoking and asthma
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Despite the known additional health risks, just as many people with asthma smoke as people without asthma
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Overall, around 40% of children who have asthma live with smokers and are likely to be exposed to passive smoke
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For further information talk to your doctor, or contact
The Asthma Foundation of Victoria on 1800 645 130
www.asthma.org.au
Australasian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10158
Australian Centre for Asthma Monitoring (ACAM)
www.asthmamonitoring.org
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
www.abs.gov.au
Victorian population health survey 2007 – selected findings.
www.health.vic.gov.au/healthstatus/vphs_current.hts | |
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For more information talk to your doctor, or contact
The Asthma Foundation of Victoria
Toll Free HelpLine 1800 645 130 | | | | |