World Lung Day 2024: New report highlights how chronic respiratory diseases can be addressed

Poorly controlled asthma can have a big impact on a child’s health, as well as their ability to play and learn. Uncontrolled asthma causes children to miss school, can lead to hospitalisation, and, although it is rare, in a small number of cases children can die from asthma.

The Asthma Society of Ireland is the national representative body for people with asthma in Ireland, advocating for the approximately 450,000 people living with the condition. As a not-for-profit organisation operating for over 50 years, our mission is to ensure that everyone with asthma in Ireland can live a full life, symptom-free.

A new way to treat asthma and COPD flare-ups could be a "game-changer," researchers say. A new study, published in The Lancet today, has investigated the use of high-tech biologic therapy Benralizumab (Fasenra) in treating acute asthma exacerbations. Benralizumab (Fasenra) works by targeting white blood cells that cause inflammation. Already used in regular low doses to treat severe asthma, researchers have now tested its efficacy in tackling asthma attacks using a single high-dose injection. Early studies suggest this new use of the drug cuts the need for further treatment by 30%.

Our new report into the treatment of severe asthma in Ireland sheds light on the complex challenges faced by patients and the healthcare system. The comprehensive report, released today, follows an in-depth investigation into severe asthma in Ireland, which included a patient survey, focus group discussions, and a roundtable event with healthcare professionals.

The Asthma Society of Ireland today reveals the results of new research into the dispensing of steroid tablets across Irish retail pharmacies.