Causes of Asthma:
Factors that are known to increase the likelihood of developing asthma include:
- A family history of asthma or other related allergic conditions (known as 'atopic conditions'), such as eczema, food allergy or hay fever
- Developing another atopic condition such as a food allergy
- Having bronchiolitis as a child (a common lung infection among children)
- Being exposed to tobacco smoke as a child, particularly if your mother smoked during pregnancy
- Being born prematurely (especially if you needed a ventilator)
- Being born with a low birth weight (less than 2kg).
Prevalence of Asthma in Australia:
- In 2007-8, 9.9% of the population stated they had current asthma. Rounding these numbers, we can say that about 10% of the population (2 million people) have asthma currently
- Asthma prevalence in Australia is high by international standards. The reason for this is unknown
- Asthma prevalence in children and young adults has decreased slightly over the last few years. Prevalence remains unchanged in older adults
- A higher prevalence of asthma in older people, children and those who live in remote locations
- A higher death rate due to asthma
- Higher hospitalisation rates for asthma
- Nearly double the rate of smoking
Asthma in Children and Youth:
Asthma in young children is one of the most common causes of hospital admission and visits to the doctor in this age group.
However it is not easy to diagnose asthma in children under 5 years old as there are many reasons for wheezing and coughing at that age. Once diagnosis is decided, often treatment is with trials of different doses of medication. Parents often ask about whether changes to a child’s bedding or diet is needed. The aim of good asthma management is to ensure that children can lead a normal healthy life, while taking only as much medication as is needed to keep them well, and avoid asthma attacks .
However it is not easy to diagnose asthma in children under 5 years old as there are many reasons for wheezing and coughing at that age. Once diagnosis is decided, often treatment is with trials of different doses of medication. Parents often ask about whether changes to a child’s bedding or diet is needed. The aim of good asthma management is to ensure that children can lead a normal healthy life, while taking only as much medication as is needed to keep them well, and avoid asthma attacks .
Short and Long Term Effects of Asthma:
Short Term Effects:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Chest Infections
- Common Colds
- Unable to do extensive exercises
Relevant Statistics Regarding Asthma:
Treatment of Asthma:
Many different treatments are used to manage and control asthma. They are classed into three main groups: relievers, preventers, and symptom controllers. You may also hear the term combination medications. This refers to a device that has both a preventer and a symptom controller in it.