A new survey of Australian asthma patients has revealed surprising shortfalls in awareness of symptoms and a laid-back attitude towards asthma.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways associated with wheezing, breathlessness and chest tightness. It affects over 2 million Australians or around 10% of the population which is one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. People with asthma report higher levels of psychological distress and a poorer quality of life compared with those who don’t have asthma.
There is currently no known cure for asthma but good management can control the condition and prevent symptoms from occurring or getting worse.
While 88% of the respondents in the National Asthma Council survey described their asthma as being of average or lower severity, 60% felt their asthma was “out of control” at least once every six months.
"It's really concerning to realise that many people with asthma accept their symptoms when they should be proactively managing them,” according to Dr Kristine Whorlow, CEO of the National Asthma Council Australia.
Less than half of the adults surveyed believed asthma needed ongoing treatment and 64% were unaware that poorly controlled asthma and repeated attacks have the potential to cause permanent damage to the lungs.
“Poorly controlled asthma can restrict people’s participation in everyday activities,” said Dr Simon Bowler of Asthma Australia.
“The survey showed that one in four people had missed work due to their asthma, a similar number reduced their level of exercise and 10% avoided going on holidays, socialising or going out.
“Our message to Australian with asthma is that this need not be the case and taking a laidback approach might not be the best way to manage symptoms,” Dr Bowler said.
While asthma is not a leading cause of death in Australia, death rates are nonetheless high by international standards. Last financial year, there were almost 38,000 hospitalisations due to asthma but fewer people presenting to their GP with asthma.
“This suggests asthma is being managed less frequently in general practice yet consultation with your doctor is the way to best manage the condition,” said Dr Bowler.
The survey found that respondents were more likely to take vitamin supplements than user asthma preventer medication daily (42% compared with 25%) despite the importance of preventing asthma symptoms.
The National Asthma Council says the research shows that too many adults are not taking their symptoms seriously enough and making their own decisions about treatment. The Council is urging adults to manage asthma with their doctor and to recognise when symptoms are getting out of control to minimise the long term risk.
“Regularly waking at night, needing to use your reliever more than three times a week and not being able to perform to capacity in a range of tasks – this is not what we would think of as well-controlled asthma. If this is what is happening to you, you need to go and see your doctor.”
The National Asthma Council also recommends at least an annual review of lung function and medication.
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