Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways causing
reversible restriction of air flow to the lungs. New Zealand
has one of the highest rates of astham in the world, making it a
major health problem which affects between 15%-20% of children and
adults. Māori and Pacific children are most affected with
significantly higher rates of hospital admissions
than European children. In Canterbury, the prevalence of
adult asthma is similar to the national rate (11.2% and 11.4%
respectively).
Possible contributing factors to developing asthma include:
- diet
- climate
- immunisation rates
- economic conditions
- community health care standards
- antibiotic use in early childhood
- timing and number of respiratory infections in early life.
The number of people with asthma has risen in New Zealand over a
relatively short time. Current attention is focused on
environmental factors, such as indoor and outdoor allergen exposure
and infections. Evidence is growing that asthma can be
aggravated or triggered by a poor indoor environment such as cold
homes, damp and mould, and pollutants. People living in
warmer homes require fewer GP visits, hospital admissions and sick
days off work and school. Installing insulation in New
Zealand homes can significantly reduce respiratory illnesses.
Read the full issue summary for asthma [PDF] -
updated May 2013.