Asthma affects over 11 per cent of the Australian population, equalling 2.8 million Australians. The issue can be especially concerning for families with young children. Approximately 8% of children up to the age of 14 suffer from asthma. Asthma contributed to 2,472 deaths in 2022.
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ABC reported a recent study by the University of New South Wales that has brought new insights into the geographical distribution of asthma, with regional Australia identified as being disproportionately affected by childhood asthma.
Among the most impacted regions is New South Wales, which leads the nation in identified asthma hotspots. Understanding where these hotspots are located and what factors contribute to them is essential for families navigating the challenges of living with asthma.
What is an asthma hotspot?
An asthma hotspot refers to a specific area where the prevalence of asthma is significantly higher than the national average. These hotspots are identified based on local data that show clusters of elevated asthma rates.
The national average for asthma is worked out by taking the number of asthma patients in the country and dividing that by the total population, or by a specific group (like children).
According to the study from the University of New South Wales, researchers defined hotspots as regions where childhood asthma rates exceed the average of 6.27% across Australia.
Factors such as socio-economic status, environmental conditions, and access to healthcare can contribute to the high rates of asthma in these areas.
The study found that more than 60% of these hotspots were in socio-economically disadvantaged regions, with over 80% having a higher-than-average Indigenous population. This highlights the need for targeted interventions and support to manage asthma effectively in these communities.
Australian asthma hotspots by the numbers
A total of 465 asthma hotspots were identified nationwide with more than 60% of these being in socio-economically disadvantaged areas.
New South Wales holds the highest concentration of asthma hotspots, accounting for 38.9% or 181 of the total hotspots. This means nearly two out of every five hotspots are located in NSW.
Victoria comes in second, with 20.9% of asthma hotspots, while Queensland claims 18.1% and Tasmania has 11%. The share of the remaining asthma hotspots were not identified in the research paper.
The data highlights a concerning trend: regions with higher rates of asthma are often in areas with socio-economic challenges, limited healthcare access, and higher Indigenous populations.
This uneven distribution calls for targeted strategies to help affected communities better manage and reduce the burden of asthma.
How parents can help their child live better with asthma
Managing asthma can be a daunting task for parents, especially in areas with high asthma rates. The key is to control the triggers like pet dander, dust, pollen, and other allergens that can cause asthma flare-ups and ensure your child receives the proper treatment.
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Here are several steps you can take to help your child live a healthier, more comfortable life.
- Work closely with healthcare providers – Ensure your child’s asthma action plan is up to date and tailored to their specific needs. Regular check-ups with doctors and asthma specialists can help adjust medications and monitor symptoms.
- Create an asthma-friendly home – Environmental triggers like dust, mould, and allergens can make asthma worse. Keeping your home clean and free of these irritants is essential. High-efficiency air purifiers from Ionmax are helpful tools to filter out harmful particles that may trigger asthma attacks.
- Educate your child about their condition – The more your child understands their asthma, the better they can manage it. Teach them how to recognize symptoms and how to use their inhaler or medication properly.
- Encourage physical activity – While asthma can limit some physical activities, exercise is important for overall health. Ensure your child stays active but in a way that is manageable and doesn't trigger symptoms.
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By making small changes and adopting tools like air purifiers, parents can reduce the impact of asthma triggers in the home, helping their child breathe easier and live a more active, fulfilling life.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general reference only. Please seek advice from professionals according to your needs.
Ionmax Australia
Founded in 2003, Ionmax Australia has received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative products and commitment to customer satisfaction. Ionmax dehumidifiers and air purifiers have been recognised for their effectiveness in reducing indoor air pollutants and improving air quality. The company is committed to researching and developing new and improved products that meet the needs and expectations of its customers, making it a trusted name in households across Australia and beyond.
