Asthma-related deaths are again on the rise, especially among Australians aged over 75, according to new data.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show 421 asthma deaths were recorded in Australia in 2019.
Of these, 264, or almost two-thirds, were people over 75.
"This can be due to several factors, however we also know that too often, this age group tend to accept reduced lung capacity from their asthma just as a part of getting older, " said Lyn Roberts, strategic advisor with the National Asthma Council Australia, which commissioned the data.
"People in this age group also tend to have concerns about medication side effects and might find it difficult to use their inhaler properly.
"Men in particular in this age group are also less likely to visit their doctors and often struggle to follow their asthma treatment plan."
The data also indicated a further rise in asthma-related deaths among women, with 18 more recorded, eight of them women under 54.
The trend was reflected in almost every state of Australia.
Dr Roberts said women were still at a higher risk than men of dying from asthma in Australia.
"It is concerning that the number of women dying from asthma in Australia is going up rather than going down," she said.
"Women aged under 54 years are usually in the prime of their working life and when it comes to their health, we know that many women often put the needs of others before themselves.
"This can impact on them making time to visit their healthcare professional, take their asthma medication regularly or make the lifestyle changes necessary to better manage their asthma."
Dr Roberts said Australia had one of the highest prevalence rates of asthma in the world, with one person in 10 affected.
It was crucial people are aware of the risks, she said.
"The National Asthma Council Australia is urging all Australians with asthma to check in with your GP to review your Asthma Action Plan, that you are using your inhaler properly and make sure you know what to do during a thunderstorm or asthma emergency," she said.
