In this Issue December 2005

Compliments of the Season from the National Asthma Council.

Asthma Mortality Statistics for 2004 Now Available

Asthma and Sport

Heading off on Holiday?

Research Funding Opportunities 

Conference Diary 2006

Asthma Mortality Statistics for 2004 Now Available

The latest information released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, continues the downward trend of the national asthma death toll, which peaked in 1989 with 964 deaths.

Three hundred and eleven Australians died from asthma in 2004 – three less than the number of deaths recorded in 2003. But, according to National Asthma Council Chairman, Assoc Prof John Wilson, it should also be a major wake up call for the 2.2 million Australians who have asthma.

• Of the 311 Australians who died from asthma in 2004, 106 were males and 205 were females.

• Most deaths occurred in people aged 70 plus, with 193 deaths recorded.

• While the over all death toll dropped, marginal increases were recorded amongst people aged 20 to 24; 35 to 39 and 50 to 54.

• Death rates amongst younger age groups continued their steady decline, indicating that the asthma management messages are hitting the mark with parents and carers.

Useful Resources

Asthma Mortality in Australia: 1960-2004

Asthma Deaths 2004 - Table

Asthma and Sport

Weekend Competitor

Exercise is great for health and wellbeing, and having asthma should not stop you playing sport or taking part in any other activity. However, many people with asthma will have asthma symptoms if they exercise in dry or cold air. In the summer ahead, even someone with well-managed asthma, may still have exercise-induced asthma .

Most of us will probably have sporting careers confined to a social game of cricket, golf or tennis but there are also plenty of weekend athletes who are in the elite category. 

Whether you are a social or serious athlete, if you have asthma you should have a written Asthma Action Plan, even if it is simply to manage exercise-induced asthma.

Exercise-induced asthma  may be the only symptom of asthma in some people but may also indicate undertreated asthma.

For more information on managing exercise-induced asthma see

Asthma Management Handbook 2002

Information Sheet on Exercise-induced Asthma.

Elite Athlete

For elite athletes with asthma, having an asthma management plan, including a written Asthma Action Plan for exacerbations, is vital. 

They must also be aware of which drugs are prohibited or subject to notification in their sports. The unwitting use of 'over the counter' flu and hay fever medications has frequently resulted in disqualification from high profile events such as the Olympic Games. 

Drugs that are taken to prevent and/or treat asthma and exercise-induced asthma may be permitted, subject to prior notification.

For a detailed explanation of asthma drugs and competitive sport see

Asthma and Competitive Sport

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

• Make sure your written Asthma Action Plan is up to date.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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