Asthma in Australia 2005
Figure 3.2
Prevalence of current asthma, children aged 15 years and under, Australia, 1982–2003
Note: Different definitions are used.
Recent wheeze = wheeze in the last 12 months.
Recent wheeze + AHR = wheeze in the last 12 months plus airway hyperresponsiveness.
Ever diagnosed + symptoms or treatment = Ever diagnosed with asthma by a doctor plus symptoms when didn’t have a respiratory infection or treatment in the last 12 months.
Sources: Comino et al. 1996; Downs et al. 2001; Peat et al. 1994; Toelle et al. 2004; Population Research and Outcome Studies Unit, SA Department of Human Services.Data table
| Definition (setting) | 1982 | 1992 | 1993 | 1997 | 2002 | 2003 |
| Recent wheeze (Belmont, NSW) |
10.4 (8.3–12.9%) |
28.6 (25.7–31.7%) |
23.7 (20.8–26.8%) |
|||
| Recent wheeze (Wagga Wagga, NSW) |
15.5 (13.1–18.3%) |
22.1 (19.4–25.1%) |
27.2 (24.5–30.1%) |
|||
| Current wheeze (Melbourne, Vic) |
27.2 (25.0–29.4%) |
20.0 (18.4–21.8%) |
||||
| Ever diagnosed + symptoms or treatment (SAMMS age 2 to 15 years) |
18.4 (16.3–20.8%) |
18.0 (15.9–20.3%) |
||||
| Recent wheeze + AHR (Belmont, NSW) |
4.5 (3.2–6.4%) |
12.4 (10.3–14.8%) |
11.3 (8.8–14.3%) |
|||
| Recent wheeze + AHR (Wagga Wagga, NSW) |
6.6 (5.0–8.7%) |
9.5 (7.7–11.7%) |
© Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2005