Last updated on 14/07/2026
Being a women over 45 can include juggling many important responsibilities and roles. Managing asthma at this time can be challenging and despite its importance, just one other thing to do in a busy life. Other health conditions and financial pressures add to the mental load.

Why researching asthma in women is important

While previous asthma research has focused on the physical causes, research by Dr Stephen Hughes and his team, funded by Asthma Australia, is looking at the support available and provided to women with asthma. In the past, this has received very little attention in asthma research. The aim is to find better ways for healthcare professionals to support older women with asthma.

How the research into asthma in women is being done

Women over 45 from across Australia are taking part in focus groups to talk about living with asthma, how they recognise asthma symptoms, manage their asthma and experience care and support from their healthcare professionals and others. Early findings show that many women have never shared their asthma story. Their stories show the social and emotional impact of living with asthma.

How will this research improve asthma care for women?

Asthma Australia will work with people with asthma, healthcare professionals and health organisations to make sure the findings change the way support is provided to women with asthma by healthcare professionals and health organisations. We’ll share women’s experiences, develop practical recommendations, create easy-to-understand resources and raise awareness of the unique challenges women face with asthma.

By listening to women’s experiences, this project will help improve asthma self-management support, identify any barriers women face, and support safer, fairer asthma care in Australia.

Donate to support asthma research

Read more about Dr Stephen Hughes’ research here.