Asthma
From Pdhpe Magdalene
Asthma
Click the above image to see an animated overview of asthma - http://www.whatsasthma.org/
Nature of the problem.
Asthma is a respiratory disease where the narrowing of a person's airways causes difficulty in breathing. This happens because;
- the inside lining of the airways becomes swollen.
- the muscles around the airways tighten.
- increased mucus secretion partially blocks the airways.
image from http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/
Extent of the problem
- Mortality rates have decreased over the last 10 years.
- self reported prevalence has increased over the past 10 years.
- Asthma is he most common reason for hospital admission of children.
- Prevalence is highest amongst people aged 4-25.
- Death rate is highest in rural and remote areas - possibly due to limited access to emergency care.
- Indiginous Australians have a higher prevalence of asthma.
- Boys have a higher rate up until teenage years, Girls have a higher rate after the teenage years.
Risk factors
Non-modifiable
- Age
- Gender
- Family history
Modifiable
- Irritants (smoke, pollution, deodorant)
- allergens (pollen, dust, mould spores)
- Viral infections
- exercise
- weather changes(cold air)
- food preservatives
Social determinants
- Low SES are more likely to work in environments with irritants (pollution, chemicals)
- Low SES are more likely to smoke, and their children who passive smoke are more likely to develop asthma
- Low SES generally have less access to heath services to manage and treat their asthma.
- Rural and remote areas have limited access to emergency care.
