Asthma affects many adults and children and represents a major health problem in the Australian community (Bauman et al, 1992). Of more concern are the findings of prevalence studies over the last decade which suggest an increase in the diagnosis and clinical impact of this chronic illness (Bauman et al, 1990). Concurrently, the severity of asthma may also be rising as indicated by increases in asthma hospitalisation and mortality rates (Bauman et al, 1990).

The inherent severity of asthma varies significantly across individuals, whilst in an individual the actual symptoms experienced may vary over time. For any inherent disease severity appropriate treatment can influence the level of symptoms suffered at a particular point in time. Although asthma is a chronic condition subject to exacerbations and remissions, with appropriate therapy it can he controlled. Unfortunately, however, many people with symptoms of asthma remain undiagnosed or undertreated (Bauman et al, 1992). Thus, when analysing the cost and other lifestyle impacts of asthma, both the underlying disease severity and degree of control provided by medical treatment need to be assessed.

This report is an initial attempt to describe the prevalence of asthma, its impact on Australian society and the cost burden it represents to individuals and the community. Both the medical related expenses and the indirect costs of reduced productivity have been estimated to give a national total cost of asthma between $585 and $720 million.

Content Updated 1992