People suffering with asthma feel ‘robbed’ – study

ASTHMA sufferers in Dublin say the condition has robbed them of their lives and that it is not taken seriously enough.

That was one of the main points made at a conference which was Ireland’s largest patient event for all those living with asthma.

The Asthma Society of Ireland held the event to mark the launch of their

‘Living with Asthma’ study results.

This study, and the dialogue between the Asthma Society and asthma sufferers on the impact that this condition has on quality of life, confirmed the immediate need for the implementation of the National Clinical Programme.

Highlighting the study’s findings, the Asthma Society found that people in Dublin with asthma are frustrated and feel lost.

They feel that asthma has robbed them of their lives and that it is not taken seriously enough.

In Ireland asthma affects 470,000 people, with over 120,000 people affected in Dublin alone. Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence of asthma worldwide.

Participants of the study feel there is a

“one size fits all

? system of management in Ireland, and that they are not treated as individuals with specific goals and outcomes. They believe this is because asthma is so prevalent, therefore, appearing to be less important.

The need for primary care solutions is apparent, with the results of the survey revealing that people with asthma feel abandoned by the system.

They describe their experience of disjointed services and poor follow-on care as distressing. Approximately one person a week dies as a result of asthma, yet 90 per cent of these deaths are preventable.

Sharon Cosgrove, chief executive of the Asthma Society of Ireland, said the resilience and personal strength of people with asthma is remarkable.

“They describe the relentless need to be vigilant and aware of their own bodies all the time, and of the unpredictable nature of asthma, with the constant fear of things getting worse,

? stated Ms Cosgrove.

“They are limiting their activity levels, giving up hobbies and withdrawing from social and family life because of their asthma.

?

Ms Cosgrove added:

“We are calling on the Government to take these findings under advisement and support a new approach to asthma management.

?

*For advice or support on asthma, visit www.asthma.ie or call 1850 44 54 64