About Asthma

Asthma is a lifelong condition of the airways

About one in nine people in Australia have asthma, one of the highest rates in the world.

Asthma is a serious condition that leads to the deaths of around 400 Australians each year. But, in many cases, asthma is also a manageable condition, and people can live a full and uninhibited life unhindered by its symptoms.

Asthma affects people of all ages, from childhood to adulthood, and it can appear at all ages and stages of life. Just because you don’t have symptoms, it doesn’t mean the asthma is gone. The symptoms of asthma include wheezing, breathlessness, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness. This is because the airways are narrowed temporarily. People with asthma often experience their symptoms at night, early in the morning or after activity. Everyone is different. With the right medicine and a daily management plan in place, people with asthma can control their condition and live their lives fully.

If you need to use your blue reliever more than two days a week, it could be a sign your asthma is uncontrolled. An Asthma Action Plan is an important document that sets out the action to take when you are well, or when you are experiencing symptoms. Often asthma flare-ups or attacks are brought on by triggers. These triggers can include smoking, smoke, dust, pollen, a virus, medications or exercise.

We don’t know why some people develop asthma, but we are supporting promising Australian research. Genetics plays a part, and often people with asthma have a family history of asthma, eczema and hay fever. Australia’s world-leading researchers are continuing to investigate the causes, treatments and prevention of asthma. Other research shows environmental factors are also important. Exposure to tobacco smoke, especially as a young child or as a baby, obesity and some workplace chemicals can increase the risk of developing asthma.

At Asthma Australia, we help people to breathe so they can live freely. Find out more about asthma and how we educate, advocate and collaborate.