ASTHMA

Asthma is a respiratory condition affecting the airways of the lungs, causing episodes of wheezing, breathlessness and chest tightness due to the narrowing of the airways. Asthma affects people of all ages and can usually be managed through effective treatment.

In 2011-12, 10.2% of Australians (or around 2.3 million people) had asthma. Overall, males and females reported similar rates of asthma (9.5% of males and 10.9% of females), however, rates of asthma across age groups show a different pattern.

Amongst children aged 0-14 years, males had a higher rate of asthma (11.4%) than did females (7.2%). However, from 15 years asthma is more common in women than men.

• Also see Tables 1, 2 and 3 in Australian Health Survey: First Results 2011–13
• For information on how asthma data was collected, see the Australian Health Survey: Users' Guide, 2011-13
• For information on other long-term health conditions, see Long-term health conditions

Previous results for asthma

National Health Survey 2007–08, 2004–05, 2001, 1995
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, 2004-05

Other articles on asthma

The Health and Welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, 2008: Health conditions and illness
Asthma in Australia: A Snapshot, 2004-05
Health of Children in Australia: A Snapshot, 2004-05
Changes in health: A snapshot, 2004-05
Australian Social Trends, 2004: Mortality and Morbidity: Living with Asthma