Sinclair’s asthma symptoms began in primary school and worsened after puberty; she was formally diagnosed in March 2025 after a GP encouraged confirmation during a routine check-up.

Federal officials acknowledge gaps in understanding gender differences in asthma and say work is ongoing to improve access and address gender bias in healthcare.

Experts note the shift in asthma prevalence from childhood to adulthood, suggesting hormonal fluctuations may play a role and urging more gender‑focused awareness and management.

For Sinclair, the incident was a wake‑up call that made her more vigilant about her health and environmental triggers like hay fever.

Mackenzie Sinclair, a 21-year-old from Geelong, suffered a life‑threatening asthma attack in Melbourne Central, requiring medical treatment and hospitalisation.

Six months after her attack, Sinclair is pursuing a nursing diploma in Geelong to better advocate for patients and improve healthcare experiences.

Asthma Australia frames asthma as a women’s health issue and urges better GP conversations about respiratory health for women aged 35–49, and again at 75.

Statistics show asthma disproportionately affects women: about one in five adult Australian women have asthma, with women making up 61% of adults with the condition and higher post‑puberty mortality than men.

In 2024, 478 Australians died from asthma, with women accounting for 322 of those deaths; many women experience psychological distress and only about a third have a written asthma action plan.