In Australia, asthma is one of the most widespread chronic health problems, affecting over two million Australians.1 A more serious concern from this research* is that most people with asthma live with the false belief that their asthma is well managed (74%) even though the majority of this group are missing out on the good things in life - anything from laughing, socialising and exercising to getting a good night's sleep (85%).
Experts are urging people with asthma to stop accepting lifestyle restrictions as part and parcel of asthma, as better management can help them get the most out of life every day. For the first time, people with asthma can find out what they are missing with the launch of the Asthma Life Balance Check, a fast and easy online assessment tool which aims to give insight into how they are living their life and how well they are managing their condition.
"When asthma is managed well, people should be able to enjoy life's every day pleasures which most of us take for granted," explains Professor Christine Jenkins, thoracic physician from Concord Hospital in Sydney. "Worryingly, these findings show that whilst many believe they have their asthma under control, asthma is actually controlling them and their lifestyles."
The research* also found almost half of those surveyed struggle to do their favourite activities (49%) and almost two thirds find themselves breathless with everyday activities such as housework and shopping (63%). Well over a third feels tired because of disturbed sleep (43%) and a fifth cancels social engagements because of their asthma (20%).
Furthermore, 22 per cent of all those surveyed admitted to having an 'asthma attack' and 15 per cent had to take time off work or study in July.*
Dr Noela Whitby AM, National Asthma Council Australia Chairman, hopes the
"Taking time to complete this lifestyle assessment and discussing the results with a doctor should be a priority for all people with asthma - particularly those who have lived with the condition for a number of years.
The Asthma Life Balance Check is a very pertinent way of looking at asthma and shows potential in uncovering useful information about how a patient's asthma is being managed." The Asthma Life Balance Check is now available on the National Asthma Council Australia website at http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/asthmalifebalance.
Notes
*This research was conducted online with a representative sample of 201 Australians with asthma (aged 18-64 years). Individuals with very mild asthma or those who only experience exercise-induced asthma were excluded. This research was conducted by Vivid with sponsorship provided by AstraZeneca Ltd. The findings were reviewed by an expert asthma panel, the National Asthma Council Australia and the Asthma Foundations of Australia.
Asthma Facts
- Asthma is a disease of the airways in the lungs that causes inflammation (redness) and swelling. Asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing (particularly at night), chest tightness, difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath.1
- The prevalence of asthma in Australia is relatively high, by international standards.1
- In Australia, asthma is one of the most widespread chronic (long-term and persistent) health problems. It affects over two million Australians, and is more common in women than in men.1
- People with asthma report poorer general health and quality of life than people without asthma.1
- Poorly controlled asthma restricts participation in normal physical and social activities.2
- With appropriate treatment and a personal commitment to good self-management, most people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.3
- An Australian study performed at the University of New South Wales showed that laughter is an asthma trigger for over 40 per cent of Australians with asthma.4 A similar study carried out at New York University showed that laughter is a common asthma trigger for over 50 per cent of the subjects tested.5
About the
- The Asthma Life Balance Check was developed in partnership with leading asthma specialists and general practitioners and in conjunction with the National Asthma Council Australia and the Asthma Foundations of Australia. It is an initiative funded by AstraZeneca.
- The
References
1. Australian Centre for Asthma Monitoring 2008. Asthma in Australia 2008. AIHW Asthma Series 3. AIHW cat no. ACM14. Canberra: AIHW.
2. National Asthma Council Australia. Asthma Management Handbook 2006.
3. Jenkins, C. Asthma - Expert View. Available at http://www.healthinsite.gov.au. Last accessed 1 August 2009.
4. Liangas G et al. Laughter-Associated Asthma. Journal of Asthma 2004: (2):217-21.
5. Laughter May Trigger Asthma Attacks. Highlights from American Thoracic Society 2005 International Conference. Poster F54. Presented 24 May 2005.
Source
National Asthma Council Australia