Only 8% have asthma in check

JUST eight percent of an estimated 400,000 asthma sufferers have their symptoms under control and half are undiagnosed, a new study has found.

This is despite Ireland laying claim to the highest prevalence in Europe of a medical condition that can kill.

A study just published in the US claims to demonstrate - for the first time - that a complete absence of asthma symptoms is achievable and sustainable.

"The results fundamentally challenge the way we currently treat asthma," said Dr Aidan O'Brien, a consultant respiratory physician, based at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

The year-long study called GOAL (Gaining Optimal Asthma Control) was conducted in over 3,000 patients in 44 countries.

Patients had to be completely free of all the symptoms of asthma for at least seven out of eight continuous weeks to meet the definition of total control.

Total control means no asthma symptoms - no night time waking, no wheezing, no hospital visits, no missed school or work days and no lifestyle restrictions.

Dr O'Brien said that patients often under-estimated the severity of their own disease. Doctors and healthcare personnel in general do not follow guidelines carefully and under-estimate severity, confusing severity with control, he said.

Presenting the findings in Dublin yesterday, GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceutical firm showed that 50% of patients could achieve total control over their asthma symptoms using the medication called Seretide.

The results coincide with the launch of Asthma Total Control Week.

This week free consultations by respiratory nurses for people with asthma will be available.

Free 30-second tests will be also be available at major supermarkets throughout the country to demonstrate if sufferers are in control of their asthma or their asthma is in control of them.

During the study, Dr O'Brien said, many asthma patients had a complete absence of all features of asthma.

The proportion of patients who achieved this symptom-free existence exceeded expectations, he said.

"Unfortunately, many Irish people with asthma have low expectations with regard to the control of their condition," he said. "This trial showed us that total control is achievable and should be the aim of treatment for all patients."

Anne Robinson, a member of the Asthma Society of Ireland, spoke of losing her 21-year-old son Alex 17 years ago during an asthmatic attack at his office. He had been on the wrong medication, Mrs Robinson claimed.

400,000 Irish people with asthma.

8% have symptoms under control.

46% sport and recreation restricted.

37% hospitalised at least once.

Information www.asthmasociety.ie and 24-hour phone [phone].