New Zealanders urged to put asthma to the test

April 27, 2011

Asthma New Zealand urges New Zealanders to put asthma to the test

- Patients using a reliever more than twice a week do not have their
asthma under control -

Many people with asthma falsely believe they have control of their
asthma. Asthma New Zealand is on a mission to change this so patients
can lead as normal a lifestyle as possible, while reducing the burden on
the health system.

As part of Asthma Awareness Week (April 27 - May 3), the organisation is
urging patients to take the Asthma Control Test to establish whether
they are managing their asthma effectively. The simple, five-question
online test (www.asthmacontrol.co.nz) provides useful insights so asthma
patients can work with their healthcare professional to achieve better
asthma control.

"We encourage people with asthma to take the Asthma Control Test -
particularly if they are using their reliever more than twice a week as
this indicates that asthma is not being managed effectively," said Gerry
Hanna, executive director at Asthma New Zealand.

Asthma New Zealand is also holding an Open Day on World Asthma Day (May
3, 2011) to raise awareness of poor asthma control in New Zealand and to
promote its free services to the wider community. Nurse educators will
be on stand-by to undertake Asthma Control Tests and answer any
questions about asthma. At least three members of the Vodafone Warriors
will also be there to help out, and to enjoy the bouncy castle, sausage
sizzle and other entertainment with members of the public.

"Many people with asthma falsely believe they have their asthma under
control - they've lived with the symptoms of asthma for a long time and
many accept them as part of life, but in reality they could achieve near
normal quality of life. We urge people with asthma to take the Asthma
Control Test and see where they're at - it could very well be the start
of a different life with asthma," said Mr Hanna.

A new desk-top Nitric Oxide (NIOX) analyser will also be unveiled at the
Open Day. When used in conjunction with education, spirometry testing
and peak flow recording, this machine assists in improving asthma
management by recording changes in airway inflammation in order to
assess responses to treatment. The analyser will be dedicated to Logan
Hartnoll who died of an exacerbation of asthma, aged four, last year. A
group of family and friends raised over $20,000 towards the purchase of
this machine.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to 'Team Logan' who worked
so hard to raise these funds. The NIOX analyser will be a huge help to
our team as we strive to achieve asthma control in New Zealand and try
to prevent tragic events like the loss of Logan," added Mr. Hanna.

More than half (54%) of New Zealand do not have control of their asthma
according to international best-practice (GINA) guidelines.

Facts about asthma

* One in six New Zealand adults and one in four experience
asthma symptoms (equivalent to more than 600 000 Kiwis).

* New Zealand has the second highest prevalence of asthma in the
world (after the UK).

* One in four New Zealand children is estimated to have asthma
and it's the most common cause of hospital admission among New Zealand
children.

* Hospitalisation rates for asthma have more than doubled in the
past 30 years.

* The prevalence of asthma is similar for Maori and non-Maori
children; however, the rate of asthma in adults is higher for Maori (22
percent) than non-Maori (15 percent).
ends