Shocking surge in asthma deaths in Victoria

The number of Victorians who have died from asthma attacks has soared 47 per cent in 12 months, most deaths from the chronic condition being preventable.

The number of Victorians who have died from asthma has soared by 47 per cent in one year.

According to new Australian Bureau of Statistics data by the National Council Australia, 78 women and 37 men lost their lives to the condition in 2022.

The research also showed there was a rise in the number of deaths recorded in every age group across the state.

National Asthma Council Australia director and respiratory physician Professor Peter Wark said the increase of deaths was likely due to viral respiratory infection outbreaks.

“Deaths were down in 2021 as a result of the hygiene standards in place and the lockdowns that occurred with the Covid pandemic, which led to fewer respiratory infections and fewer asthma attacks,” he said.

“However, asthma attacks have now returned to pre-pandemic levels and may even be slightly higher.

“It is likely the upward trend of asthma deaths is due to the return of outbreaks of viral respiratory infections such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus in the winter of 2022, both of which are associated with increased winter hospitalisations from asthma.”

The increase in asthma deaths is likely due to viral respiratory infection outbreaks.

Professor Wark said most asthma deaths were preventable.

“Commonly called a ‘preventer’, inhaled corticosteroids remain the only treatment that clearly reduce acute asthma attacks and asthma deaths for people in all age groups six years and older,” he said.

“However less than a third of people with asthma are regularly prescribed a preventer and of those, many fail to regularly take their preventer as prescribed by their GP.

“In addition, uncontrolled use of relievers or ‘puffers’ purchased over the counter without a prescription has been strongly associated with an increased risk of asthma death.

“Until these issues are addressed, we will not see improvements in asthma hospital admissions or mortality.”