ASTHMA-related deaths are on the rise according to new figures, but a Tamworth GP said fatalities were “largely preventable” with a good management plan and lifestyle choices.
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The figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed 141 people died from asthma related causes in NSW in 2014, about one third of the overall 419 deaths from asthma across the country.
It was a 15 per cent rise on the 2013 figures for asthma deaths in NSW.
Tamworth GP Dr Casey Sullivan said taking a few important steps was the key to start turning around these alarming statistics.
“Talk to your GP, get an asthma action plan, get the flu shot, stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke,” Dr Sullivan said.
The Oxley Health Care GP said asthma was also more prevalent in regional areas due to an increased exposure to irritants and allergens such as pollen, mould, grasses, pet dander, chemicals and dust.
“There is also longer times associated with accessing health care in regional areas which can see a rise in bad outcomes for asthma,” Dr Sullivan said.
The ABS figures showed that women aged 55 to 74 were twice as likely to die from asthma compared to their male counterparts, while women over 75 were almost three times more likely to die from asthma than men of the same age.
“Women are more susceptible than men to asthma,” Dr Sullivan said.
“Asthma occurs more in boys aged 2 to 14, but over the age of 15 it is more prevalent in girls and women.
“This is likely due to changes in hormones and growth making airways larger in boys as they grow into teenagers.”
While asthma is more prevalent among females, Dr Sullivan said treatments were similar across the board.
“Avoid triggers, use relievers such as Ventolin to treat symptoms and use a preventer every day to avoid getting asthma symptoms in the coming weeks by stabilising your airway,” she said.
