Asthma occurs when the lung’s air passages narrow, restricting airflow and making it hard to breathe. The air passages of people with asthma are particularly sensitive and can become swollen and inflamed. This leads to increased mucus production as well as wheezing, coughing and chest tightness.
There are many asthma triggers and these differ amongst individuals. An asthma attack may be triggered by the inhalation or exposure to allergens—including those from pets, dust mites, moulds and pollens. Alternatively, an attack may be triggered by:
- respiratory infections
- exercise
- cold air
- stress
- food/drug allergies
- cigarette smoke
- other pollutants.
Symptoms and characteristics
Asthma is a condition that comes and goes and most people with asthma will have an occasional 'attack', while a few people will have symptoms every day.
People experience asthma differently—some have periodic wheezing attacks separated by symptom-free periods, while others have chronic shortness of breath or cough. Asthma symptoms can last minutes to days and can become dangerous if the airflow becomes severely restricted.
Statistics
The prevalence of asthma in Australia is among the highest in the world. Currently it is estimated that 10 to 12 per cent of adults have asthma (Asthma Foundations of Australia 2007).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Asthma Foundations of Australia 2007, About Asthma, Asthma Foundations of Australia, Melbourne, viewed 17 March 2007, <http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/cgi-bin/wrapper.pl?c1=aboutasthma>.
Better Health Channel 2006, Asthma, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 17 March 2007, < http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Asthma?open>.