Asthma attacks set to soar this winter

29 June 2011

Asthma attacks set to soar this winter:

Experts heed warning to Australia’s 2 million sufferers

Leading respiratory experts are warning ‘high risk’ Aussies with asthma to be extra vigilant as we enter the depths of winter, with new research indicating a potentially serious season ahead.  Figures1 announced today by the National Asthma Council Australia reveal more than half (52%) of adults with asthma surveyed have already suffered an attack so far. One-in-five are anticipating an attack every week this winter. Concerningly, one-in-two have not yet visited their GP for a lung health check to prepare for the winter onslaught.

According to Associate Professor Jo Douglass, Head of the Allergy & Asthma Service, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, despite the hazards that the winter season can inflict on asthma sufferers’ overall health and the risk of severe and even life-threatening asthma attacks, there is still an enormous amount of complacency amongst Australians living with asthma.

“This new research not only highlights the need for asthma sufferers to take appropriate steps to protect themselves throughout the winter season, but also reaffirms their reluctance to do so and people with asthma need to be encouraged to address this ,” said Associate Professor Douglass.

Over 2 million Australians3 are affected by asthma. Asthma attacks, also known as ‘lung attacks’,2 may cause permanent damage to sufferers’ long-term health. 2

The findings highlight not only the physical burden but also the emotional impact of asthma. One-in-four adults surveyed revealed they fear for their life when they have an attack and 47 percent admitted to feeling frightened or terrified. In addition, one-in-four admitted they have had to take time off work due to their asthma within the last 30 days, and 66 percent noted it often takes up to a week before they feel back to normal after an attack.1

Furthermore, when asked how they would describe an attack, three-in-four said it felt like they were suffocating and more than one-in-four felt like their lungs would explode. Also concerning was the revelation from respondents that while the flu season has only just begun, half had experienced cold and flu symptoms and an increase in asthma symptoms is underway.1

“While 91 percent of respondents rated1 asthma attacks as serious to their health, only one-in-two1 has seen a healthcare professional to help prepare for the winter months, but it is imperative

anyone with asthma takes their condition seriously and visits their GP for a lung health check, including flu vaccination, review of preventer asthma medications and their asthma action plan before the depth of winter hits,” Associate Professor Douglass added.

Kristine Whorlow, Chief Executive Officer of the National Asthma Council reiterates the serious impact of asthma,”. Everyone with asthma should aim to control their asthma symptoms. They

should take their asthma medications and follow their doctor’s advice. One of the best ways people with asthma can protect themselves this winter is to ensure they have an up-to-date written asthma action plan,” she said.

More information, including an Asthma Flu Checklist and written asthma action plans, is available on the National Asthma Council Australia’s website

New asthma findings (amongst 203 asthma sufferers aged 18+ conducted 2 - 7 June 2011)

Preparing for the 2011 winter/flu season

  • 50% have no plans or are undecided about visiting their GP for a lung health check to prepare for the 2011 winter/flu season
  • 65% do not have an up-to-date asthma action plan
  • 53% have not yet been vaccinated against influenza and 23% have no intention of doing so

Asthma in the 30 days prior to the survey

  • 50% have had cold/flu symptoms
  • 61% have experienced an increase in shortness of breath
  • 56% have experienced an increase in wheezing
  • 43% have experienced an increase in tightness in the chest
  • 35% have woken up in the night because of these symptoms
  • 18% have had an increase in asthma attacks
  • 24% have had time off (work/study/normal routine) due to cold/flu & asthma

Asthma in the 2010 winter/flu season

  • 71% had a cold/flu
  • 65% had to take time off (work/study/normal routine) and 49% had 5 days or more off
  • 70% had an asthma attack
  • 16% had to go to hospital of which 67% were admitted overnight

Seriousness of asthma

  • 91% rated an asthma attack as serious to their health
  • Only 35% believe an asthma attack could cause permanent damage to their lungs

Issued by Cube on behalf of the National Asthma Council Australia with sponsorship provided by AstraZeneca Australia.

Interviews available with:
  • Dr Lucy Morgan, respiratory specialist, Concord Hospital (Sydney)
  • Associate Professor Jo Douglass, Head of the Allergy & Asthma Service, Alfred Hospital (Melbourne)
  • Dr Simon Bowler, respiratory physician and Director of Medicine at the Mater Hospital (Brisbane)
  • Dr Kerry Hancock, Chair, National Asthma Council’s GP Asthma Group (Adelaide)
  • Dr Peter Bremner, respiratory physician, St John of God Hospital (Perth)
For interviews, please contact:
For further information on the National Asthma Council Australia, please contact:

Kelly Ward, Ward Communications on (03) 8638 2192/ 0407 860 834 / kelly.ward@ogilvy.com.au

References:

[1]An online assessment of 210 Australian asthma sufferers’ (aged 18+) cold and flu experiences for 2010 and 2011 conducted by Stollznow Research 2-7 June 2011.

2 FitzGerald, J. M. Targeting lung attacks. Thorax May 2011 Vol. 66; No. 5: 365-6.

3Australian Centre for Asthma Monitoring 2008. Asthma in Australia 2008. AIHW Asthma Series 3. AIHW cat no. ACM14. Canberra: AIHW.