Asthma costs health system €463m annually

Asthma sufferers cost the Irish healthcare system €463m each year, according to a survey conducted by the Asthma Society of Ireland.

The ASI said Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence of asthma worldwide, with the findings of the survey indicating that asthmatics don't receive adequate treatment for their condition.

ASI spokesman Peter Greally said 7% of asthmatics are admitted to hospital at one stage or another, while 28% need emergency medical care.

He also said children suffering from asthma miss an average of 10 school days each year due to their illness.