In this Issue December 2004

Collaboration has Positive Impact 

Heading off on Holiday? 

Research Funding Opportunities 

Conference Diary 2004/5

Collaboration has Positive Impact

Fewer Australians are dying from asthma, with the number of deaths from the condition falling to 314 in 2003 from 397 in 2002. This equates to a substantial decrease of 21%, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

While spending time with family and friends over the festive season, it is an opportunity to reflect upon achievements and, more importantly, how to sustain the result.

Dr Tomlins was also encouraged that the reduction in deaths was consistent across all age groups.

• In the under 35 years age group, there were 25% fewer deaths from asthma.

• The 65 years and over group reported a 26% reduction. (The 65 years and over group had the majority of deaths at 64%.)

Although most deaths due to asthma occur in the elderly, the Asthma in Australia report points out that the diagnosis of asthma as the cause of death, as opposed to other respiratory disease, is unreliable for this age group.

Asthma in Australia

(http://www.asthmamonitoring.org)

Statistics for 1960 to 2003

The National Asthma Council produces a table and series of charts following the release of the asthma mortality statistics each year by the ABS.  The mortality graph for all age groups is shown and PDF versions of all the graphs are available online.

Asthma Deaths Table  (52 KB PDF File)

Asthma mortality 1960 - 2003 (5 to 34 year olds) and Asthma mortality 1960 - 2003 (all ages) 

Heading off on Holiday?

Whether you are heading off to the beach, the country, interstate or perhaps even overseas, good preparation is vital for people with asthma. Here are a just few good tips.

Before you go

Having your asthma under control before you leave is important.

Have your GP check your asthma. You do not need to be unwell to have your asthma checked.

A letter from your GP, listing the medications you are taking and why, may be useful for an emergency and for customs if you are travelling overseas. If you normally use a nebuliser, check that there are appropriate power outlets.

Make sure that any medical insurance you take out will specifically cover your asthma (contact your travel agent or Asthma Foundation for advice). 

On the way

Keep your medication and written Asthma Action Plan with you in your hand luggage whether you are travelling by plane, train or just by car. Spare medication can be packed away, but you do not want to be rummaging in the boot of your car in an emergency.

Also, keep in mind that luggage may be lost, so divide your medication between what you carry on board and what you place in your suitcase.

At your destination

Plan your activities so that you know where and how to get help in an emergency. (Remember, people with asthma should not scuba dive.)

If staying with friends be aware of your asthma triggers like cat, dog or horse allergens. Also, dust mite numbers are often higher in coastal areas and humid environments. Take a peak flow meter to provide you with a regular indication of how well your asthma is being controlled.

Useful Resources  

For comprehensive information to assist the traveller with asthma see

The Traveller with Asthma

Asthma Management Holiday Checklist

First Aid for Asthma

Asthma Management Handbook - Written Asthma Action Plans (Adult)
 

Asthma Management Handbook - Written Asthma Action Plans (Children)
 

Asthma Action Plans
 

For more information or support, contact your local Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130.
 

Asthma Foundations of Australia

Asthma Foundation of the ACT

Asthma Foundation of New South Wales

Asthma Foundation of Northern Territory

Asthma Foundation of Queensland

Asthma Foundation of South Australia

Asthma Foundation of Tasmania

Asthma Foundation of Victoria

Asthma Foundation of Western Australia

For more information on allergies go to
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy 

Research Funding Opportunities