Just released Global Asthma Report offers hope

Just released Global Asthma Report offers hope

The Global Asthma Network’s (GAN) just released 2014 Global Asthma Report notes with asthma today there is much to be concerned about however with good long-term management the burden of asthma can be reduced.

The report estimates 344 million people in the world have asthma and the burden of this disease is high; 500,000 people have asthma in New Zealand.

“We know that well controlled asthma imposes far less of an economic and personal burden than uncontrolled asthma,” says Dr Kyle Perrin, Asthma Foundation medical director. “The costs are often through increased hospital visits which can be distressing for both the patient and the family. Some relatively simple measures outlined in the Report can lead to improved early detection of asthma and provide effective preventive treatment.”

The Asthma Foundation is already working on a number of measures including:

The development of a National Respiratory Health Strategy to improve asthma management and reduce costs.

Updating the national Asthma Guidelines and making them available to all health professionals.

“The Report provides an excellent base for New Zealand to further develop our asthma strategy. What we need now is a concentrated and co-ordinated effort by government and local providers to make uncontrolled asthma, and the huge burden it places on New Zealanders a thing of the past.”

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