Asthma related deaths have tragically returned to pre-pandemic levels according to new Australian Bureau of Statistics data released today by the National Asthma Council Australia (NAC).

The figures show that there were 474 asthma-related deaths recorded in Australia in 2023, made up of 325 females and 149 males, almost identical to the 473 asthma deaths recorded in 2022.

NAC Director and respiratory physician, Professor Peter Wark, said that sadly, the majority of these deaths are entirely preventable.

“There was a brief reduction in asthma deaths in 2021 that was a consequence of the pandemic and lockdowns that resulted in fewer viral infections and therefore fewer episodes of acute asthma.

“Unfortunately, the last two years has shown that asthma deaths have returned to pre-pandemic levels.

“Of huge concern is that it remains stable in younger populations where asthma is likely to be the only disease present and ALL these deaths are entirely preventable,” he said.

Professor Wark said that asthma deaths remain unchanged due to serious ongoing problems with asthma management.

“The NAC was formed in 1989 to combat the high number of annual asthma deaths – at the time 964 people. 35 years later, the number of asthma deaths have halved, however, to still have 474 people losing their lives is shocking.

“More effort needs to be made in diagnosing asthma properly and emphasising to patients living with asthma the importance of using an inhaled preventer treatment.

“Asthma is a chronic disease of inflamed airways and needs to be treated with an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid preventer to control symptoms and reduce asthma deaths, not just use of a blue reliever puffer alone. But this preferred option is still under-prescribed in Australia.

“This is despite its recommendation as the preferred treatment in the National Asthma Council’s Australian Asthma Handbook, the national guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma as a chronic condition,” said Professor Wark.

He added: “Until this changes, too many people will continue to over-use their blue reliever puffer with the increased risk of poor asthma control and an increased risk of asthma death.”

The ABS statistics also show that once again, women over 75 are still the most at risk, with 43 per cent of all asthma deaths coming from this age group.

“Women have more severe asthma than men in general and the older age group are also more likely to have other conditions and have more troublesome asthma that is more severe and more difficult to control,” said Professor Wark.

The National Asthma Council Australia has the following tips for all Australians with asthma:

1. Make sure your asthma has been correctly diagnosed with a lung function test.
2. If you have ever had an asthma attack, or if you need to use a reliever puffer more than one or two times per month, you should be taking an inhaled anti-inflammatory corticosteroid preventer. New guidelines for people recommend anti-inflammatory treatments in a combination inhaler with a reliever to be used as needed. This is safer than a blue reliever puffer alone. Ask your doctor if this treatment is right for you.
3. See your GP if you have asthma symptoms or a persistent night time cough that prevent you from doing normal day to day activities. There are effective treatments available for people with asthma and you should not have to endure this or need oral corticosteroids for acute attacks.
4. Make sure you have an up to date written asthma action plan.

“Check in with your doctor to review your written asthma action plan, make sure you are using your inhaler properly and that you 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 thunderstorms and when thunderstorm asthma warnings are issued. Using an anti-inflammatory preventer will reduce your risk with thunderstorm asthma” said Professor Wark.

Link to 2023 mortality infographic

2023 *27 deaths outside QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, WA (no state stats done for Tas/NT/ACT).
2022 *28 deaths outside QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, WA (no state stats done for Tas/NT/ACT).

nationalasthma.org.au

For further information or an interview with Professor Wark please contact:

Donna Le Page

Le Page PR – Mobile: 0412 797 937 Email: donna@lepage-pr.com.au