Asthma warning
June 2, 2010
THE National Asthma Council
Australia is urging Australians to
take asthma seriously this winter
season, using the latest increase in
asthma mortality rates to back up
its concerns.
According to the Council, asthma
related deaths jumped 16% from
2007 to 449 in 2008, and have
risen a total of 35% in the last decade
- with the highest death rates being
recorded for elderly Australians.
“Australia has one of the highest
prevalence rates of asthma in the
world,” said NACA chair, Dr Noela
Whitby.
“The condition is so widespread
that there can be a tendency to shrug
it off and take it for granted, which
is something we must never do.”
Winter is a particularly bad time
for asthma, with viruses and flus
being common triggers for attacks.
The NACA is urging patients to
ensure they are actively managing
their condition in conjunction with
health care practitioners, and with
an asthma action plan.
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