Ruqayyah Snyder
Asthma is a long-term lung condition that affects the airways, causing inflammation and narrowing, which results in symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. It is a common chronic condition in Australia, with around 2.7 to 2.8 million people, or about 10% to 11% of the population, estimated to be living with asthma. The prevalence of asthma in Australia has remained relatively stable over the last decade, with females overall being more likely to have asthma than males. However, among children aged 0-14 years, boys have a higher prevalence of asthma compared to girls. Asthma poses a significant burden on the Australian population, with high healthcare costs and an impact on the quality of life for those affected.
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What You'll Learn
Asthma prevalence by age and sex
Asthma is a long-term lung condition that affects about 11% of the Australian population, or 2.8 million people. It is a common chronic condition that causes episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, and fatigue due to widespread narrowing of the airways. The prevalence of asthma in Australia has remained relatively stable over the last decade, ranging from 10.2% in 2011-12 to 10.8% in 2022.
When it comes to age and sex, there are some notable differences in asthma prevalence. Overall, females are more likely than males to have asthma, with a rate of 12.2% compared to 9.4%. However, among children aged 0-14 years, boys are more likely to have asthma than girls, with a prevalence of 10.1% compared to 6.2%. This pattern has been consistent since 2001. Asthma is a leading cause of disease burden for children up to 14 years old and remains a significant concern for adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years. The hospitalisation rate among children aged 0-14 is significantly higher compared to those over 15, with 225 and 70 hospitalisations per 100,000 population, respectively.
Indigenous Australians have a higher prevalence of asthma compared to non-Indigenous populations. The rate of asthma among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is almost twice as high as that of non-Aboriginal Australians, with a notable increase in older adults. Additionally, asthma prevalence is significantly higher in people living in outer regional and remote areas compared to those in major cities.
The impact of asthma on quality of life is substantial, with people suffering from severe asthma reporting impairments at work and absenteeism due to their health. Asthma also contributes to a significant emotional and psychological burden, affecting daily activities, careers, and social wellbeing. Furthermore, asthma accounted for >38,000 hospitalisations in 2011-12 and nearly 117,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Australia, representing 2.3% of the total disease burden. In 2021-22, there were 25,500 hospitalisations with asthma as the primary diagnosis, and in 2022-2023, this number increased to over 31,000 hospitalisations.
While asthma can be managed, it currently has no cure. The condition poses a significant burden on the Australian population, with severe exacerbations and an overreliance on oral corticosteroids. The cost of asthma in Australia is also considerable, with an estimated total cost of $28 billion in 2015, including healthcare costs, disability, and premature death.
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Asthma-related hospitalisations
In Australia, asthma affects around 2.8 million people, or 10.8% of the population, as of 2022. The prevalence of asthma has remained steady over the last decade, with 10.2% of the population affected in 2011-12 and 10.8% in 2022.
Asthma is a significant burden on those affected, and it can be life-threatening in severe cases. In 2021-22, there were 25,500 hospitalisations with asthma as the primary diagnosis, or 99 hospitalisations per 100,000 people. This represents a decrease from 2011-12, when asthma accounted for over 38,000 hospitalisations. The hospitalisation rate is notably higher among children aged 0-14 compared to those over 15, with rates of 225 and 70 per 100,000, respectively.
Hospitalisation for asthma typically lasts 3-5 days. During an asthma attack, patients may be administered bronchodilator drugs via an inhaler or nebuliser to open their airways, as well as corticosteroid drugs to reduce lung inflammation. Doctors may also perform tests such as peak flow readings, spirometry, and blood oxygen level measurements. If symptoms persist after several hours of treatment, a longer hospital stay may be required.
Certain factors increase the risk of hospitalisation for asthma. These include non-white race, lower income, asthma severity, and a history of recent hospitalisations for asthma. Additionally, reliance on emergency department services for asthma care is associated with a higher likelihood of hospitalisation.
To prevent severe asthma attacks and reduce the need for hospitalisation, it is crucial to manage asthma effectively. This includes adhering to a written asthma action plan, taking prescribed medications correctly, and avoiding triggers such as dust, smoke, cold weather, exercise, or viruses.
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Asthma's impact on quality of life
In 2022, 10.8% of the Australian population, or 2.8 million people, had asthma. This figure has remained relatively stable over the last decade, with 10.2% of the population affected in 2011-12.
Now, let's delve into the impact of asthma on the quality of life of those affected:
Asthma has a significant impact on the quality of life of those living with the condition in Australia. It affects people physically, emotionally, socially, and occupationally, and those with severe asthma are more likely to report a poor quality of life. The frequency of asthma attacks and the need to manage symptoms can disrupt daily activities, career plans, and social relationships.
The emotional and psychological burden of severe asthma is substantial, with high rates of depression and anxiety reported. This can further impact an individual's ability to maintain full-time employment, with two-thirds of individuals with severe asthma in the UK unable to do so. In Australia, 73% of individuals with severe asthma reported impaired work performance due to their health, and 27% had been absent from work because of their health issues.
Several factors contribute to a poor quality of life for people with asthma. These include advanced age (over 40 years), obesity, being female, a family history of asthma, asthma severity, and poor asthma control. Additionally, low education levels and low socioeconomic status have been linked to a poorer quality of life.
The Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (Mini AQLQ) is a valuable tool used to assess the quality of life of asthmatic patients. It covers symptoms, activity limitations, emotional function, and environmental stimuli. Addressing these aspects through improved patient education and follow-up can help manage the disease and improve quality of life.
The physical impact of asthma includes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest discomfort, and fatigue. These symptoms can limit activities and impact an individual's ability to work or study, ultimately affecting their overall quality of life.
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Asthma treatment and management
According to the 2022 National Health Survey, approximately 2.8 million (10.8%) of Australians have asthma. This figure has remained steady over the last decade, with 10.2% of the population affected in 2011-12 and 10.8% in 2022. The prevalence of asthma varies between sexes and age groups. In 2022, 12.2% of females and 9.4% of males had asthma. Among children aged 0-14, the condition was more prevalent in boys than in girls, with 10.1% and 6.2% affected, respectively.
Now, let's discuss asthma treatment and management in four to six paragraphs.
Treatment Options
Asthma treatment depends on age, symptom severity, and individual responses to medication. Quick-relief medications, such as reliever inhalers, are used during asthma attacks to ease symptoms. These may be the only necessary treatment for mild asthma or asthma triggered by physical activity. Long-term control medications, on the other hand, are taken daily to prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms. These include corticosteroids, which can be inhaled or taken orally, reducing inflammation and swelling in the airways. Other treatment options include bronchial thermoplasty, a procedure that uses heat to thin the muscles in the airway walls, helping to prevent narrowing.
Management Strategies
The National Asthma Council of Australia recommends that individuals with asthma have a written asthma action plan. This plan provides instructions on how to respond to worsening asthma symptoms. However, only about one in three people with asthma has such a plan. Additionally, medication usage varies, with 48.7% of children and 63.5% of adults with asthma using medication in the two weeks prior to a survey. It is important to learn how to use asthma inhalers correctly to ensure effective treatment.
Environmental Considerations
Asthma can be triggered or exacerbated by environmental factors. For example, smoking can be a trigger, so creating a plan to quit smoking is essential for people with asthma who smoke. Additionally, ensuring that frequently visited places are asthma-friendly can help prevent asthma emergencies. This includes taking steps to manage asthma at work, as workplaces can trigger asthma symptoms or even cause them for the first time.
Psychological Impact
Asthma can significantly impact an individual's psychological and social well-being, with high rates of depression and anxiety reported. It can also affect career prospects, with many individuals reporting impairments at work due to their health. The emotional burden of asthma is substantial, influencing daily activities, family life, and friendships.
Severe Asthma
Severe asthma poses a significant challenge, as it can lead to hospitalisations and even death. Australia has one of the highest asthma death rates in the world, with mortality higher among Indigenous Australians. Additionally, the burden of asthma is higher for those with severe asthma, and it is important to address treatable factors and maximise inhaled therapy before stepping up treatment for this group.
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Asthma's economic burden
In 2022, approximately 2.8 million people or 10.8% of the Australian population had asthma. This figure has remained steady over the last decade, with 10.2% of the population affected in 2011-12 and 10.8% in 2022.
The economic burden of asthma in Australia is significant. The total cost of asthma in Australia in 2015 was estimated to be $28 billion, or approximately $11,740 per person with asthma. This includes $24.7 billion attributed to disability and premature death, and $1.2 billion in healthcare costs, such as medication, hospital, and out-of-hospital expenses. In 2020-21, asthma cost the health system $852 million for services provided by general practitioners, hospitals, government-funded medicines, dental services, and referrals to specialists and testing.
The average monthly asthma-related expenditure per person is estimated to be $AU386, which equates to an annual value of $AU4,632 per person per year. This is consistent with findings from other OECD countries. The cost burden highlights the potential for effective asthma management strategies to achieve substantial economic savings for the health system.
The economic impact of asthma extends beyond direct healthcare costs. Asthma imposes a substantial economic burden in terms of Medicare-funded medical services and medications, particularly for individuals with uncontrolled asthma and co-morbidities. The presence of co-morbidities, such as mental and behavioural conditions (41%), back problems (25%), and arthritis (23%), further increases healthcare expenditure. Additionally, individuals with asthma are more likely to report a poor quality of life, which is positively associated with higher healthcare costs.
The emotional and psychological burden of severe asthma also contributes to the economic impact. Individuals with severe asthma may experience difficulties in daily activities, career disruptions, and social challenges. In Australia, 73% of individuals with severe asthma reported impairments at work due to their health, and 27% had been absent from work because of their health issues.
Furthermore, asthma accounts for a significant proportion of hospitalisations in Australia. In 2021-22, there were 25,500 hospitalisations with asthma as the primary diagnosis, with a rate of 99 hospitalisations per 100,000 population. The hospitalisation rate among children aged 0-14 was notably higher, at 225 per 100,000 population. In 2022-23, over 31,000 hospitalisations had asthma as the main diagnosis, with almost half (43%) involving children aged 14 or under.
In summary, asthma imposes a substantial economic burden on Australia's health system and society. The costs associated with healthcare, medication, disability, premature death, and lost productivity contribute to the overall economic impact of the disease. Effective management strategies and addressing co-morbidities can help reduce the economic burden of asthma in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the 2022 National Health Survey, 10.8% of Australians have asthma, which is approximately 2.7 to 2.8 million people.
Asthma is a common chronic condition in children, with about 1 in 10 boys and 1 in 16 girls under 15 years having asthma. The prevalence of asthma is higher in boys than girls up to the age of 14, after which it is more common in females.
Asthma poses a significant burden for Australians, impacting their daily activities, career, family and social life. People with asthma are more likely to report a poor quality of life, especially those with severe or poorly controlled asthma. It also affects their ability to participate in everyday life and work, with 73% of individuals with severe asthma reporting impairment at work due to their health.
The estimated total cost of asthma in Australia in 2015 was $28 billion or $11,740 per person with asthma. This includes healthcare costs, disability, and premature death. In 2020-21, asthma cost the health system $852 million.
