Asthma

Click the image below to see an animated overview of asthma - http://www.whatsasthma.org/

Nature of the problem

Asthma is a respiratory disease where the narrowing of a person's airways causes difficulty in breathing. This happens because;

• the inside lining of the airways becomes swollen.
• the muscles around the airways tighten.
• increased mucus secretion partially blocks the airways.

Extent of the problem

• Mortality rates have decreased over the last 10 years.
• self reported prevalence has increased over the past 10 years.
• Asthma is he most common reason for hospital admission of children.
• Prevalence is highest amongst people aged 4-25.
• Death rate is highest in rural and remote areas - possibly due to limited access to emergency care.
• Indiginous Australians have a higher prevalence of asthma.
• Boys have a higher rate up until teenage years, Girls have a higher rate after the teenage years.

Risk factors

Non-modifiable

• Age
• Gender
• Family history

Modifiable

• Irritants (smoke, pollution, deodorant)
• allergens (pollen, dust, mould spores)
• Viral infections
• exercise
• weather changes(cold air)
• food preservatives

Social determinants

• Low SES are more likely to work in environments with irritants (pollution, chemicals)
• Low SES are more likely to smoke, and their children who passive smoke are more likely to develop asthma
• Low SES generally have less access to heath services to manage and treat their asthma.
• Rural and remote areas have limited access to emergency care.

Groups at risk

• People prone to allergies
• People whose parents have asthma
• Those exposed to passive smoking at home
• Those who have experienced severe chest illness