Asthma sufferers isolated and going untreated by Europe - Lynne

12.35.46pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th Sep 2005

A report released today from the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases (EFA) shows that asthma sufferers in Europe are living in isolation and fear of a fatal attack. Liz Lynne MEP who launched the survey at World Asthma Day in May, said that the report painted a very gloomy picture for asthma sufferers in Europe unless governments took a more active role.

Liz, who suffers from asthma, insisted that,

"We must do a better job on the European level to improve the condition of asthma suffers. The survey reported that asthma sufferers are beginning to lose confidence that their national healthcare system will aid them.

"Less than half of participants surveyed expected that their healthcare system would provide better care in the next five years and 11 per cent expected standards to worsen. This is an unacceptable standard. People with asthma throughout Europe should feel confident their healthcare system is improving.

"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. This report shows that around half of people with severe asthma are not even close to meeting international treatment goals.

"Asthma suffers 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.

"Today's 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 today, they do live in fear, and that must change."

ENDS.

Note to Editors:

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