Asthma Week 2026: why women need a closer look at asthma

Asthma Week runs from 1 to 7 September 2026. This year's campaign puts a spotlight on women and asthma and how hormonal changes across life can shift the way asthma behaves.

Asthma affects women differently

One in 5 Australian women live with asthma. Women are twice as likely to die from it than men. Hormonal shifts across life change how asthma behaves. Asthma Australia points to puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause as life stages that can shift symptoms and control.

What has changed in asthma care

The Australian Asthma Handbook was updated this year. It now recommends anti-inflammatory reliever therapy or maintenance and reliever therapy for adults and adolescents over 12. Inhaled corticosteroids are now indicated for all adults and adolescents with asthma. If your asthma plan has not been reviewed in a while it may be worth checking it still matches current guidance.

A good time for a check-up

Asthma Week is a practical reminder to check your asthma action plan is current and that your inhaler technique is still correct. Appointments can be booked online through HotDoc.

Source: Asthma Australia (asthma.org.au) and National Asthma Council Australia (nationalasthma.org.au).