Every hour one person dies of asthma in Western Europe - Lynne

5.57.28pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 12th Oct 2005

A report presented to Liz Lynne MEP by the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases (EFA) shows that many asthma sufferers in Europe are living in fear of a fatal attack. Liz, who launched the survey on World Asthma Day in May, said that the report was discouraging and must be examined in detail.

Liz, who herself suffers from asthma, said,

Svein-Erik Myrseth, President of EFA, and Liz Lynne MEP

"Every hour at least one person dies of asthma in Western Europe, and more than 6 million Europeans with asthma live in fear that their next attack could kill them. Of great concern is also the fact that according to the report, the UK has one of the highest rates of both emergency and mortality rates in adults and children. The facts arising from this report are deeply disturbing. We must do a better job at the European level to improve the condition of asthma sufferers through the exchange of best practice.

"With 32 million asthma sufferers in Europe, Governments and healthcare systems must make asthma research and treatment a higher priority. Many of the symptoms associated with asthma can be lessened if proper treatment is given. In crude terms, the cost to productivity in Europe because of poor asthma control is estimated at €9.8bn a year. This report shows that around half of people with severe asthma are not even close to meeting international treatment goals.

"Asthma sufferers should not feel socially isolated because of their asthma but that is just what this report highlights - social exclusion and difficulty reaching economic goals in the workplace were widespread throughout the survey.

"The report is yet another reason why member states should look at their policies regarding smoking in public places. Asthma sufferers should not have to fear for their lives because of a smoke filled restaurant or pub. This report confirms that they do live in fear, and that must change."

ENDS.

Note to Editors:

More information on EFA's report can be found at http://www.efanet.org/activities/documents/Fighting_For_Breath.pdf.