Asthma can usually be controlled with effective clinical care, appropriate medications, and by following a written asthma action plan. Asthma can, however, be fatal.

The National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) was formed in about 1989, partly in response to the high number of asthma-related deaths at that time. As a result of a wide range of initiatives led by the NAC and in collaboration with many other asthma stakeholders, asthma-related deaths have since fallen dramatically.

Asthma-related deaths in Australia have now dropped from a peak of 964 in 1989 to less than half that number, which is all the more significant when Australia's ageing population is considered. Yet every asthma death is a tragedy, and people of all ages must continue to take asthma seriously.

Latest statistics

In 2009, asthma caused the deaths of 411 Australians.

For a detailed breakdown of the 2009 statistics, please download the ABS customised Report 2009.

Or for data from 2000 to 2009, please view the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report:
3303.0 1 Underlying Causes of Death Australia

Note asthma-related deaths are shown under the codes Asthma & Status Asthmaticus (J45 & J46).

Past analysis

Due to changes in ABS reporting, comparative analysis of these figures over time is no longer possible. As a result, we are unable to provide this information in the same format as we have done in the past.

Reports for 1960 to 2008 can now be viewed here:
Asthma deaths 1960-2008 update

Further information

Detailed asthma statistics and analysis are available from:

Australian Centre for Asthma Monitoring (ACAM)
ACAM aims to assist in reducing the burden of asthma in Australia by developing, collating and interpreting data relevant to asthma prevention, management and health policy.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
AIHW is Australia's national agency for health and welfare statistics and information.