Summary
Queensland Health is urging people to take extra care as the temperature plummets increasing the risk of asthma flare-ups and other health complications across the state.
Asthma affects around one in nine Queenslanders, an estimated 11.4 per cent of the population - higher than the national prevalence of 10.8 per cent.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Marianne Gale said colder temperatures can have a significant impact on respiratory health, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions.
“Cold, dry air can irritate the airways and trigger inflammation, making it harder for people with asthma to breathe,” Dr Gale said.
“We often see an increase in asthma symptoms and hospital presentations during colder periods, particularly in late autumn and winter.”
Queensland hospitals see an estimated 6,500 to 7,500 asthma-related admissions each year, with children aged 0 - 14 accounting for around 43 per cent of hospitalisations.
Dr Gale said many of these presentations were preventable with appropriate management.
“Up to 90 per cent of asthma hospitalisations are considered potentially preventable with the right treatment and regular use of preventer medication,” she said.
“Asthma is an inflammatory condition, and preventer therapies treat underlying inflammation - whereas reliever puffers only address symptoms in the moment.”
Cold weather can worsen asthma symptoms due to a combination of factors, including exposure to dry air, increased circulation of respiratory viruses, and greater time spent indoors with allergens such as dust and mould.
Darling Downs Health Clinical Nurse Consultant Emily Phillips said it was important people used spacers and checked their medications to ensure they were up to date.
“Spacers can be annoying to carry around, but they do make a really big difference - if you're using your spacer, you're more likely to get about 70 to 80 per cent of your medication,” she said.
“Without a spacer, you're probably only getting about 20 to 30 per cent because your tongue just takes up most of that medication.”
In 2024, Queensland recorded 87 asthma-related deaths, representing 18 per cent of all asthma deaths nationally, with around half occurring in people aged 75 and over.
Asthma remains one of the most common chronic conditions in Queensland, and while there have been improvements over time, death rates have plateaued in recent years.
That’s why it’s so important Queenslanders stay on top of their asthma management - especially as the weather cools.
For more information, visit health.qld.gov.au or speak with your GP.
BACKGROUND
Queenslanders are encouraged to take simple steps to reduce their risk during colder weather:
- Use prescribed preventer medication as directed.
- Keep warm, particularly in the early morning.
- Avoid known triggers such as cold air and respiratory infections.
- Maintain an up-to-date asthma action plan.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
ENDS