According to Asthma Australia, one in five Australian women live with asthma, and females face a mortality rate twice that of men, prompting a national campaign focusing on women’s respiratory health. The charity’s national Asthma Week campaign, running from Monday, 1 September to Sunday, 7 September, highlights new data showing that the condition impacts women differently across various life stages, with older women accounting for nearly half of all national asthma deaths.
Why Women Bear a Heavier Asthma Burden
Girls and women carry a disproportionate burden of asthma compared to males, according to data released by Asthma Australia. In girls aged one to nine, asthma stands as the leading cause of disease burden, resulting in approximately 5,000 hospitalisations each year. Once puberty occurs, the demographic pattern shifts significantly. Asthma becomes more common in females than in males, with girls and women hospitalised at roughly twice the rate of boys and men from age 15 onwards.
Navigating Pregnancy and Midlife Respiratory Challenges
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can make asthma harder to control, requiring careful management to protect both mother and child, according to Asthma Australia. Most daily preventer medicines remain low risk during pregnancy and should be continued, alongside early treatment for flare-ups. Midlife brings additional strain during perimenopause and menopause. Social and financial pressures often compound this period. Highlighting the economic strain, one woman shared in an Asthma Australia social media comment, “I often miss out on my asthma medicine because I make sure that my daughter has hers, and we can’t always afford both.”
Did You Know?
Women aged 75 and over account for nearly half of all asthma deaths in Australia, according to Asthma Australia. The charity notes that symptoms in older adults often present differently and can be masked or complicated by other common health conditions.
Local Impact and Environmental Triggers in New England
The campaign builds on local initiatives in Armidale, which was selected last year for Asthma Australia’s Make the Switch trial. That scheme offered homeowners subsidies to swap wood heaters for reverse cycle air conditioners after local air quality ranked among the worst nationally. Asthma Australia identifies wood smoke as a known trigger for asthma attacks, linking environmental air quality directly to the heightened respiratory risks faced by local residents.
Signs Your Asthma May Not Be Under Control
Asthma Australia has outlined four specific warning signs indicating that a person’s asthma is not properly managed:
- Waking at night because of respiratory symptoms.
- Wheezing or coughing more than two days a week.
- Needing a reliever medication more than twice a week.
- Finding that symptoms interfere with exercise, work, or daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are women at a higher risk for asthma complications?
According to Asthma Australia, hormonal shifts across puberty, pregnancy, and menopause influence asthma control, and females face higher hospitalisation rates and twice the mortality rate of men.
What are the key signs of poorly controlled asthma?
Warning signs include night waking from symptoms, wheezing or coughing more than twice a week, frequent reliever use, and symptoms disrupting daily activities or exercise.
Where can I get support or more information?
Individuals can contact the free Asthma Educator support line at 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462), email [email protected], or visit asthma.org.au.
Have Your Say
What are your thoughts on managing asthma awareness in regional areas? Share your perspective on our opinion and comment hub, New England Times Engage, or reach out to healthcare providers if your symptoms feel unmanaged.