Strategies to manage asthma

Asthma is recognised as a National Health Priority Area in Australia, and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the cummunity. International popu lationbased studies suggest that Australia has one of the highest prevalence rates for asthma in the world,' affecting an estimated two million people.' Exacerbations of asthma lead to approximately 40,000 hospitalisations and 105,000 emergency department visits annually.'