We have witnessed a significant rise in the morbidity and mortality rates from asthma during past the decade in Australia. It is now our most commonly found chronic health problem and is the common reason for admission to paediatric hospitals. Asthma affects all age groups but particularly the young. Many, medical practitioners feel that asthma cases are now more severe and more difficult to manage.
Asthma has a significant effect on the lives and well-being of asthmatics, their families and the people who care for them. Much has been done in the past five years to address these problems. Research continues into the basic causes, mechanisms and therapy. Organisations such as asthma foundations, professional bodies, government agencies and the pharmaceutical industry continue to develop programs to enhance the knowledge of both health professionals and the community.
The National Asthma Campaign was formed in 1990 and since then has promoted best practice in asthma management. The concept of co-management by the doctor and patient and the use of a standardised asthma management plan has been one of the focuses of the campaign. These activities have created for the first time an Australian-wide network of individuals and organisations working in the asthma field which tackles, cooperatively, the various aspects of this major public health problem.
The Editorial Panel of the National Asthma Campaign feels that the "Report On The Cost Of Asthma in Australia " makes an important contribution to our body of knowledge about asthma and its impact on the Australian community
For the first time we have a report which gives an overview of the costs of asthma on a national basis. It not only examines the direct and indirect costs of asthma to the community but also identifies the costs according to the severity of the disorder.
The National Asthma Campaign hopes that this report will not only lend to further informed discussion about the cost of asthma but also to the public health interventions and research into changes to benefit the community and create the most cost effective means of treating this widespread disorder.
Ral Antic Chairman
