Asthma
From Pdhpe Magdalene
Asthma
Click here for 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.
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.
