Asthma, a respiratory condition marked by attacks of spasm in the bronchi of the lungs, is costing the Australian community almost $28 billion per annum, says a new report.
The disease affects approximately one in 10 Australians, or 2.4 million people. Commissioned by Asthma Australia and the National Asthma Council Australia, the report highlights the growing economic impact of the condition on the government and families.
Asthma
It's a lung condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and constriction of the airways that result in coughing, wheezing or breathlessness. Allergy and other airway irritants can trigger it
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‘Asthma costs the Australian community almost $28 billion per annum. The respiratory condition affects approximately one in 10 Australians, or 2.4 million people.’
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The study revealed the total cost of asthma in Australia in 2015 was $27.9 billion, comprised of $3.3 billion in economic costs and $24.7 billion in "burden of disease" costs.
It defines "burden of disease" costs as those that flow from suffering and premature deaths experienced by people with asthma. Such costs are evaluated with a complex formula, developed by the World Bank and Harvard University and the World Health Organization.
![Tests for Asthma]( "Tests for Asthma")
Do you find it difficult to breathe especially during the cold weather? You may need to get tested for asthma, a respiratory condition that is induced by allergies.
The $3.3 billion in economic costs included productivity losses of $1.1 billion and annual health system costs of $1.2 billion. Other financial costs included about $246.4 million for government programs, travel costs, and formal care and another $635.9 million in other efficiency losses.
The study found that on average people with asthma were absent from work about two days per year more than non-sufferers. In 2015, estimated carers in Australia lost a total of $72.9 million in wages.
Source: Medindia
Tests for Asthma
Do you find it difficult to breathe especially during the cold weather? You may need to get tested for asthma, a respiratory condition that is induced by allergies.
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The $3.3 billion in economic costs included productivity losses of $1.1 billion and annual health system costs of $1.2 billion. Other financial costs included about $246.4 million for government programs, travel costs, and formal care and another $635.9 million in other efficiency losses.
The study found that on average people with asthma were absent from work about two days per year more than non-sufferers. In 2015, estimated carers in Australia lost a total of $72.9 million in wages.
Source: Medindia
Christmas Tree Syndrome
Christmas tree syndrome is an allergic condition associated with the presence of a Christmas tree in the house. Christmas tree syndrome is treated like any other allergy using antihistamines.
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