People with asthma were unable to protect themselves against bushfire-smoke induced asthma attacks despite following public health advice, a report from Asthma Australia has found.
The long duration and intensity of the bushfires in late 2019 and early 2020 resulted in more than 400 respiratory deaths, 2,000 respiratory hospitalisations and 1,300 ED presentations for asthma, according to the Bushfire Smoke Impact Survey that documented the experiences of more than 12,000 Australian with asthma.
The survey found that lack of suitable face masks, air purifying filters and the inability to avoid going outdoors meant that almost all people with asthma had symptoms and about a third were so sick they were unable to work or take part in daily activities for a week or more.
The survey found that during the bushfires most people with asthma (76%) had to increase the use of reliever inhaler” and 41% had to increase the dose or frequency of their preventer, with 16% requiring oral or injected steroids (16%).
People with asthma were four times more likely to report “attended ED” or “hospitalised” compared to people without asthma, and nearly seven times more likely to report “steroid use (oral or injection).”
Other key findings included children and young people being the worst affected by bushfire smoke-induced respiratory symptoms, and the increased rates of anxiety and depression among people with asthma due to the smoke.
An unexpected finding was that taking many people with asthma had symptoms and required medical attention despite following public health advice to minimise smoke exposure.