Asthma: The persistent public health issue in Australia 

Asthma, also called ‘bronchial asthma’ is a lung-related chronic disorder that affects almost 262 million people (according to a study conducted in 2019 by the World Health Organization). It is a non-communicable disease which requires ongoing medical attention due to its chronic nature. 

Asthma is characterized by coughing, wheezing (making high pitched whistling sounds while breathing), feeling tightness in your chest or having shortness of breath. Asthma has now become a pressing issue in Australia. Understanding the prevalence, risk factors and the ways to manage asthma is crucial in alleviating its effects. 

Understand Asthma

The airways of a person and the muscles responsible (for breathing) are supposed to be relaxed during normal breathing, in order to allow an efficient gaseous exchange. However, if these airways become narrow, there will be difficulty in breathing, which is the characteristic feature of asthma. This could occur due to: 

• Bronchospasm: Muscle constriction causes the airways to narrow.
• Inflammation: Inflamed airways make air flow in and out difficult.
• Increased mucus production: Mucus may congest the airways.

Asthma patients are often tired during the day, have less concentration and are disturbed in their sleep, mostly due to a persistent cough triggered at night time.

Asthma has certain triggers. It can be triggered due to: 

• Allergic reactions: Allergens like dust, pollen and pets can trigger the release of histamine which causes inflammation of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.
• Non-Allergic factors: Changes in weather, exercise, stressful conditions are other factors that may cause your asthma to surge.
• Genetic predisposition: A history of allergies or asthma in the family may lead to increased susceptibility.

It is also important to understand that overweight or obese children and adults are at a greater risk of asthma. 

Do people get better after an asthma attack?

People that have ‘intermittent’ asthma, often feel normal after an asthma attack or in between asthma attacks. However, those with ‘persistent’ asthma experience its symptoms most of the time. 

Asthma’s prevalence in Australia

Asthma affects around 11% of the total population of Australia which equates to around 2.7 million Australians. This shows that the country has one of the highest asthma prevalence rates in the world. It is seen that the prevalence of asthma is much more common in boys than girls. However, among adults, women are more susceptible to asthma than men. Urbanization is also associated with an increased number of asthma cases, primarily due to increased pollution in urban areas.

How is Asthma diagnosed?

In order to diagnose asthma, your healthcare provider will need to evaluate your complete medical history and review your symptoms. A history of allergies (eg. eczema)  will indicate higher chances of a positive asthma diagnosis. Your healthcare provider may order some tests. These tests can include:

• Spirometry (a test to check lung capacities and functions)
• Arterial Blood Gases (ABG’s)
• Chest X-ray

How do we manage Asthma?

Early diagnosis and regular monitoring is pivotal in order to efficiently treat asthma. Most patients manage their asthma through inhalers (small hand-held devices that allow you to breathe medication in from your mouth all the way to your lungs). The medications involved can be:

• Relieving medication which are short-acting bronchodilators and immediately alleviate your symptoms.
• Preventive medication which are mainly corticosteroids in order to reduce inflammation of the airways.
• Controlling medication which are long-acting bronchodilators, mainly taken at night in order to manage your symptoms over a longer period of time.

It is important to understand that Asthma can not be cured, but with proper medication and avoidance of triggers, it can be fully managed. 

People with asthma and their families require knowledge of the condition to better understand it. This includes getting to know available treatment options, avoiding specific triggers that make your symptoms worsen and managing symptoms effectively at home. 

Adjusting treatment during worsening symptoms can help prevent severe asthma attacks. Healthcare providers can help you best manage your symptoms via Asthma action plans which empower individuals to take control of their care.

People with asthma can still lead very active lifestyles if they manage their symptoms regularly.