Asthma kills more Australian women over 75 than any other age group.
Nearly half (46 per cent) of all asthma deaths in 2021 were women over 75 while asthma deaths for men over 75, the age group that also recorded the highest deaths for males, was only 16 per cent.
According to respiratory physician and National Asthma Council Australia spokesman Jonathan Burdon, women over 75 find themselves focusing less on their asthma risk because they are experiencing a time of their life when there could be huge changes in living circumstances, such as living alone after losing a partner or changes to routine after retirement, as well as the need to start taking other medications.
"We also see that deaths for women start to creep up as they age, so asthma deaths in women really start to rise from when they are in their mid-50s, which is extremely concerning," Dr Burdon said.
Asthma deaths have dropped in 2021 for the second year in a row, according to new Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
The figures show that there were 351 asthma-related deaths recorded in 2021 in Australia, made up of 244 females and 107 males, down from 417 deaths (2020) and 427 deaths (2019).
Dr Burdon, said the reduction in deaths was likely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Too many deaths
"The drop is very likely due in part to large sections of the population being in lockdown during the year, as well as good hygiene including masks and social distancing that helped to limit infections such as the flu."
However, he said 351 deaths was still far too many as most asthma deaths are preventable.
"Asthma mortality rates in Australia are still high by international comparison, so this is not the time for complacency as we are all now circulating freely in the community along with infections and viruses including COVID-19," said Dr Burdon.
In order to get the asthma death rate down even further and make it stay down, people with asthma need to take proactive steps to reduce their risk, he said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"In Australia, one in four children and one in 10 adults live with asthma and the best protection is good day to day control of your asthma. That means using your preventer as prescribed and if you need to use your reliever (blue) puffer more than a few times a week, see your doctor for consideration for treatment with a preventer. There are also some newer treatments these days for some people with significant asthma related to allergy."
No cure
"While there is currently no cure for asthma, good asthma control can prevent symptoms such as wheezing and breathlessness from occurring or progressing into a severe flare-up that could end in death," he said.
The Asthma Council is urging all Australians with asthma to check in with their doctor to review their Written Asthma Action Plan and make sure they are using their inhaler properly and know what to do for an asthma flare up or acute attack or in any asthma emergency.
"It is also important that anyone with asthma is especially careful during thunderstorm warnings and thunderstorms," said Dr Burdon.
Tips for seniors with asthma
Dr Burdon has provided the following tips to control your asthma
- Don't just accept reduced lung capacity from your asthma as just a part of getting older - make your asthma a priority by ensuring you take your medication as prescribed
- If you have been prescribed a "preventer" use it every day and don't just rely on reliever (puffer) medication
- Try and take your asthma medication at a specific time each day, like when cleaning your teeth, so you have a regular routine
- Check in regularly with your doctor to review your Written Asthma Action Plan, talk about any concerns regarding medication side effects and make sure you are using your inhaler properly
- Men in particular are less likely to visit the doctor as they get older, so make a plan for six monthly check ups to get a new prescription
- If your asthma flares up, don't delay - call your doctor or the ambulance and follow your Written Asthma Action Plan that tells you what to do for an acute attack or in any asthma emergency
- When you go out, consider using a face mask to help protect you from infections, the flu and of course COVID circulating in the community
- If you live alone, make sure you let family members and close friends know about your Written Asthma Action Plan, so they can assist you in an emergency
- Remember, there is currently no cure for asthma, but good asthma control can prevent symptoms such as wheezing and breathlessness from occurring, or progressing into a severe flare-up that could end in death.
Eileen Wood
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
