Asthma is more likely in people who have other allergic conditions, such as eczema and rhinitis (hay fever). Urbanization is associated with increased asthma prevalence, probably due to multiple lifestyle factors. Events in early life affect the developing lungs and can increase the risk of asthma.
Those who grew up or live in urban areas have a higher risk for asthma. Children and adults who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of asthma. Although the reasons are unclear, some experts point to low-grade inflammation in the body that occurs with extra weight.
Presentation of Asthma: Early Childhood (0–6 Years) Studies of asthma's natural history have shown that almost 80% of cases begin during the first 6 years of life (31). The symptoms of pediatric asthma in this age group are varied and not specific to asthma making the diagnosis challenging.
Around 2.7 million Australians (11%) have asthma. 18% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had asthma (128,000 people) in 2018–19, with a higher rate among females (18%) compared with males (13%).
Why is asthma so common in Australia? Increasing evidence shows that people who move to Australia from Asia and other non-western countries are coming down with allergies they previously didn't have.
Asthma remains a significant public health problem. In 2014, about 9% of children and 7.5% of adults reported a physician diagnosis of current asthma [1]. However, the burden of disease is higher in underrepresented minorities and low-income populations [2, 3].
The peak time for thunderstorm asthma is mainly spring but can extend to December during the grass pollen season. Your local media may announce 'Thunderstorm Asthma Alerts' on days when there is a high risk.
Sinus infections, allergies, pollen, breathing in some chemicals, and acid reflux can also trigger attacks. Physical exercise; some medicines; bad weather, such as thunderstorms or high humidity; breathing in cold, dry air; and some foods, food additives, and fragrances can also trigger an asthma attack.
Tasmania, Western Australia and parts of the Northern Territory are Australia's severe asthma 'hot spots' as the country enters a peak asthma hospitalisation period.
Asthma Australia is our nation's most trusted consumer peak body for people living with asthma.
Bono, born Paul David Hewson, is the front man of one of the most popular rock bands of all time and has one of the most influential voices in the music industry. However, most fans are unaware that off stage, he and one of his children manage the symptoms of asthma.
Strong emotions and stress are well known triggers of asthma. There is evidence of a link between asthma, anxiety, and depression, though the outcomes are sometimes not consistent. Anxiety and depression may be associated with poor asthma control.
This means that asthma can be genetic. Some researchers describe it as a “highly heritable disease.” According to a 2014 review study , genetic factors account for around 70% of a person's risk for developing asthma, meaning that genes play a large role in whether a person develops the condition.
'These combined factors have made Melbourne the thunderstorm asthma capital of the world, with four recorded epidemics in 1987, 1989, 2010 and 2016.
Doctors do not use one specific test to diagnose asthma. To help diagnose asthma, your doctor will take your medical history, do a physical examination, listen to your lungs and order some lung function tests.
Many of the pollens that trigger asthma are from introduced plant species such as Ryegrass, Paterson's curse and Pellitory weed ('asthma weed'), and street trees such as oaks, elms and birch.
The answer is yes—well, sometimes. While children are more likely to outgrow their symptoms, adults may also see their symptoms disappear and go on to lead asthma-free lives. But outgrowing asthma is not true for everyone. Sometimes symptoms can come back on their own—even many years later.
Asthma symptoms can be triggered by a range of things. Allergic triggers can include dust mites, pollen, animal dander and mould. Non-allergy triggers can include smoke, exercise, cold air and viruses. Reducing exposure to substances that trigger allergies and asthma symptoms can help you to control your asthma.
There's currently no cure for asthma, but treatment can help control the symptoms so you're able to live a normal, active life. Inhalers, which are devices that let you breathe in medicine, are the main treatment. Tablets and other treatments may also be needed if your asthma is severe.
People have observed for decades that asthma symptoms seem to worsen at nighttime. As many as 75% of people with asthma—20 million in the United States--report worsening severity at night. Although many factors influence asthma severity, the role of the circadian system is unclear.
When hard rain from a thunderstorm hits pollen grains, it can break them up. This makes them smaller and easier to inhale. The wind from the storm then carries the pollen grains where they can be inhaled into your lungs. Thunderstorm asthma is an event that can affect many people at once.
What is an asthma cough sound? Most people with asthma have a dry cough, one that does not produce mucous. This happens when the airways constrict in response to an irritant and is a feature of asthma. As well as the cough there is often a high-pitched wheeze sound that is also caused by the constricted airway.