Elderly main victims of asthma

The National Asthma Council Australia is calling for better management of all asthma and bronchitis in the elderly, following the release of the latest asthma death statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

In 2005, asthma killed 318 Australians – seven more than the number of deaths recorded in the previous year.People aged 70 plus accounted for 191 of the deaths recorded, while those aged 40 to 60 years accounted for 95 deaths.

According to National Asthma Council Chairman, Professor John Wilson, the latest asthma death toll is unacceptable. “The number of deaths in 2005 reinforces the need for accurate diagnosis and assessment by those caring for the illness,” he said.

“Given the many educational resources available to prescribing doctors and their patients, the 2005 death toll is quite simply too high.

“These new figures reinforce the need for increased vigilance, particularly amongst adult populations who can become complacent about their asthma and amongst health professionals and families responsible for the care of the elderly,” Prof Wilson urged.

Over two million Australians have asthma – one of the highest rates in the world. Asthma deaths in Australia have dropped dramatically from a peak of 964 in 1989 to the latest toll of 318 in 2005.

Asthma cannot be cured – but it can be prevented.

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