Chronic respiratory diseases disrupt the daily lives and
productivity of many individuals and lead to thousands of deaths
each year, according to a report released today by the Australian
Institute of Health and Welfare
The report, Chronic Respiratory Diseases in Australia,
which brings together data from a variety of sources, highlights
the prevalence and impact of major chronic respiratory diseases
such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD).
AIHW report co-author Mr Perri Timmins said that these
conditions are quite prevalent in Australia, with an estimated 5.8
million Australians having at least one long-term respiratory
condition in 2001.
'COPD, the major forms of which are emphysema and chronic
bronchitis, is often associated with severe or profound disability,
especially among the older population. With about 5,400 deaths
attributed to it in 2003, COPD is a major cause of death in
Australia.'
By far, the most important cause of COPD is tobacco smoking,
with an estimated 70% of those deaths attributable to smoking.
Smoking also worsens the symptoms and control of asthma and other
chronic respiratory diseases.
'This means that an important feature of many of these diseases
is that they are largely preventable and manageable,' said Mr
Timmins.
'Recent surveys show that numbers of Australians who are current
smokers have declined over the past decade, and those statistics
are being reflected in COPD death rates, which are also declining,
especially among males.'
While asthma is not a major cause of death in Australia, it is
one of the most common problems managed by doctors and is a
frequent reason for the hospitalisation of children.
The prevalence of asthma is among the highest in the world with
14-16% of children and 10-12% of adults reporting to have the
disease.
Other chronic respiratory diseases, such as hay fever and
chronic sinusitis, are noteworthy for their very high
prevalence.
'About 2 million Australians are estimated to have chronic
sinusitis, which can cause considerable discomfort and disruption
in the daily lives of sufferers.
'The good news is that with improved disease prevention and
management, many of the effects of chronic respiratory disease can
be avoided. This is balanced by the fact that as the population
ages and the role of natural and environmental factors change over
time, chronic respiratory conditions are likely to continue to have
significant consequences for the health of many Australians.'
24 August 2005
Further information: Mr Perri Timmins, AIHW,
tel. 02 6244 1228, or Dr Kuldeep Bhatia, AIHW, tel. 02 6244
1144.
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, AIHW, tel 02 6244 1032.
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications
Catalogue for availability of Chronic Respiratory Diseases
in Australia