Fed: first rise in asthma deaths in ten years

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2001
Fed: first rise in asthma deaths in ten years

An expert says a rise in asthma deaths may reflect growing complacency among Australians
about control of the disease.

Dr RON TOMLINS, chairman of the National Asthma Council, says the increase is the first
rise in more than a decade.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that 454 adults and children died from
asthma last year, an increase of 30 over the previous year.

Dr TOMLINS says it's up to doctors, pharmacists and nurses to assist patients in managing
their disease.

A federally-funded campaign to begin in the new year will encourage patients to see
their general practitioner regularly for asthma management, education and review.

Proportionately more deaths are occurring in the older age groups, reflecting a sicker
population and greater numbers of smokers and former smokers.

AAP RTV rr/jhm/pc/psm/

KEYWORD: ASTHMA (BRISBANE)

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