A Story Behind Each Hospitalisation

A Story Behind Each Hospitalisation

Asthma Awareness Week started yesterday and the Asthma Foundation wants to tell New Zealanders what it's like for children when they are hospitalised by asthma, and what their parents go through.

"We want to tell New Zealand about what asthma does to people when it turns ugly. It's not simply a matter of using your inhaler when your asthma is not so good and hoping that you'll be okay," says Angela Francis, the Chief Executive of the Asthma Foundation.

"The stories we hear are sad and compelling. They underscore the fact that we must declare war on asthma”

A number of those stories will be told by journalists who write asthma related stories for Asthma Awareness Week and others are on the Asthma Foundation's website at The Asthma Foundation : Asthma hospitalisation stories (please note this is being updated regularly).

"We need to work harder to prevent asthma admissions. We're asking New Zealanders to join us in keeping our kids out of hospital," Angela says.

"We recommend that parents of children with asthma make sure that their child has a child asthma plan, which they can fill out together with a health professional. The plans are available at www.asthmafoundation.org.nz.

"We also recommend that children use their preventer inhalers regularly rather than relying on reliever inhalers when their asthma is unstable. Parents need to seek medical help early if their child's asthma is deteriorating.”

Children with asthma should be immunised against influenza each year. Flu vaccinations are generally free for people with asthma.

The Asthma Foundation seeks New Zealanders' support in the fight against asthma. They can visit our website at www.asthmafoundation.org.nz.

ENDS

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