Ireland tops asthma league as experts search for causes

IRELAND has the highest level of asthma in Europe, a new study published today reveals.

The survey found that of the 350,000 asthma sufferers in Ireland, 90,000 cannot control the condition.

Following the publication of the

report by the Asthma Society, a leading asthma expert called on Health Minister Micheál Martin to give free medication to all asthmatics.

Consultant respiratory physician Dr Pat Manning said the cost of treating asthmatics in hospital was cut by

almost a third in the United States when these free preventative and relief medicines were given out.

The damp climate, diet and the fact we spend so much time indoors partially explains the high level of asthma here, but a national register of asthmatics would help doctors get a better understanding of the causes, Dr Manning said.

“The Asthma Society has asked Minister Martin to set up this register and to also consider giving out free medication to cut the hospitalisation costs,” Dr Manning added.

The minister’s spokesman said the Department of Health is considering the request and will respond to the Asthma Society shortly.

The study reveals that Ireland has the highest prevalence of asthma in Europe, with 12.2% of adults and children suffering from the condition.

The study also found that three out of every four asthmatics have never had a lung function test.

Asthma Society medical committee chairman Dr Peter Greally said the findings confirm the treatment of asthma here falls well short of international standards.

Dr Greally, who is a consultant paediatrician in Tallaght Hospital, said the burden of living with asthma in

Ireland had been highlighted for the first time.

“Asthma is the most common chronic illness in society and early recognition of the symptoms and treatment of infection is vital to avoid an acute exacerbation,” he said.

The study of 3,278 households found there was a huge lack of knowledge among people with asthma about the correct use of inhalers.

It found that 91% of the people with asthma who use prescription medication for quick relief also used their inhaler to relieve their symptoms, while 51% used their inhaler every day and 69% used it up to three times a day.