ABS statistics reveal higher asthma risk for women
New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed that Australian women are most at risk of dying from asthma, with 263 females dying from the condition in 2011 - more than double the number of males.
In total, 378 deaths were recorded affecting 263 females and 115 males. The majority of deaths occurred in those aged 45 years and over, with women outstripping men in every 10 year age bracket from 45 upwards.
The greatest number of deaths occurred in those aged over 75 years with 226 deaths recorded (167 females and just 59 males). In contrast to this, there were only 13 deaths in the 25 and under age group.
Overall the asthma death toll dropped by 38, compared with 2010 data.
While this figure marks an encouraging decrease in the overall annual asthma death toll and a positive decline in both male fatalities and deaths amongst younger Australians, the National Asthma Council Australia is warning that there is no room for complacency.
“The drop in the mortality rate has been gradual and progressive over the years, from a peak of 964 deaths in 1989 to the latest toll of 378 in 2011,” noted National Asthma Council Australia Chair, Dr Noela Whitby.
This continues the trend which is due to ongoing education of the health care profession, community and patients with asthma. It also reflects the more aggressive and careful management of people with asthma.
Premium Health offers a 3 hour face-to-face Asthma management course, or the course can be conducted online with a 1 hour face-to-face assessment.
The course covers:
- Signs and symptoms of asthma
- Common asthma triggers
- First aid principles and procedures in relation to the causes, symptoms and treatment of asthma
- Asthma action plans and emergency asthma management protocol
- Risk minimisation strategies and development of a risk minimisation plan
Get more information about the asthma management course or book now.