Asthma sufferers ‘not in control’

One in every two people with asthma put their lives at risk because their asthma is out of control.

About half a million people in Ireland have asthma and at least one person dies from the disease every week.

Despite the seriousness of the condition, nearly half of sufferers are not managing the condition effectively, a pan-European survey reveals.

According to the Global Initiative for Asthma classification 48% of Irish people are deemed ‘uncontrolled’.

The survey found that people with asthma were experiencing symptoms nearly three days a week. Uncontrolled asthma may progress to an attack and often results in the recurrence or worsening of symptoms.

The Recognise Asthma and Link to Symptoms and Experience (Realise) survey found that 92% of people with asthma felt confident about managing the condition on their own.

It also found that one in 10 people with asthma never think about their condition.

Irish people with asthma follow Italians (53%), Norwegians (52%), and Germans (51%) in levels of uncontrolled asthma. The EU average for uncontrolled asthma is 45%.

The Realise survey, developed with respiratory experts and sponsored by Mundipharma International is the largest pan-European survey using the initiative’s control classifications.

Chief executive of Education for Health and chair of the European Lung Foundation, Monica Fletcher, said that people with asthma had “normalised” the disease.

“These results clearly show that there is a real disconnect in how people with asthma in Ireland and across the EU view management of their asthma,” said Ms Fletcher.

Even more surprising was that more than over a fifth (22%) of people with asthma in Ireland are still smoking.

Chief executive of the Asthma Society of Ireland, Sharon Cosgrove, said asthma was the most chronic respiratory disease in Ireland which had a serious and sustained impact on the health and wellbeing of the population.

“These results further demonstrate the importance of the National Clinical Programme for Asthma in Ireland,” said Ms Cosgrove.

Key objectives of the programme, not yet rolled out by the HSE due to a lack of funding, are to increase the number of people whose asthma is controlled and reduce deaths from the disease by 90% in 10 years.

Two out of three people with asthma believe that their condition holds them back in some way and 40% are anxious about not knowing when they will suffer an attack.

Asthma care

Is your asthma controlled?

- In the past 4 weeks have you experienced day-time symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or breathlessness more than twice in a week? Has your asthma interfered with exercise or normal activity?

- Has your asthma interfered with your sleep?

- Have you used your blue inhaler more than twice in a week?

- Have you had an asthma attack since your last visit?

- If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, your asthma may not be controlled. Consult your doctor or nurse.

- Common asthma triggers are pollen, colds and flu, cigarette smoke, pets, mold, and dust mites. You may have others. Tell your medic what makes you wheeze.

- Anyone concerned about asthma management plan can call the Asthma Society of Ireland: 1850 44 54 64. Asthma nurse specialists are available to answer calls from 10m-1pm on weekdays. www.asthmasociety.ie