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Asthma
- » What is asthma?
- » The burden of asthma in Australia
- » Asthma as a National Health Priority Area (NHPA)
- » NHMRC funding into asthma research
- » References
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease marked by episodes of wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath associated with widespread narrowing of the airways within the lungs and obstruction of airflow. The underlying problem is chronic inflammation of the air passages, which also tend to over-react by narrowing too easily and too much in response to a wide range of 'triggers', such as:
- exercise
- viral infections
- allergens
- environmental irritants (including tobacco smoke and other pollutants)
- food chemicals
- aspirin and other medications.
The disease affects all age groups and ranges in severity from intermittent mild symptoms to a severe, incapacitating and sometimes life-threatening disorder. [1]
The burden of asthma in Australia
Chronic respiratory diseases were responsible for more than 7% of the burden of disease and injury in Australia in 2003 and asthma accounted for one in three cases. Asthma affects up to 12% of adults and up to 16% of children (particularly young boys). Although the rate of asthma related deaths in Australia has reduced since the 1980s, it still remains high compared to other developed countries. 314 people died as a result of asthma in 2003.
Asthma is a major cause of school absenteeism, child emergency department attendance and admission to hospital. More than 60,000 Australians are admitted to hospital annually due to asthma. There is evidence that up to 60% of asthma deaths may be associated with avoidable factors. [2]
Asthma as a National Health Priority Area (NHPA)
In August 1999, Australian Health Ministers announced asthma as a National Health Priority Area in recognition of the significant burden that asthma places on the Australian community in terms of health, social, economic and emotional costs.
NHMRC funding into asthma research
NHMRC has invested over $75.3 million for asthma research from 2000 to 2007. [2]
| Year | Funding ($m) |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 4.2 |
| 2001 | 6.8 |
| 2002 | 7.9 |
| 2003 | 8.1 |
| 2004 | 8.9 |
| 2005 | 11.8 |
| 2006 | 12.6 |
| 2007 | 14.8 |
» More information on asthma-related grants
References
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (2008), Australia's Health 2008
- NHMRC Fact Sheet: Asthma
» Download Asthma Factsheet (PDF 254kb)