Asthma Declaration to boost care in Europe

Thursday November 27th, 2008

Care for people with asthma needs a radical overhaul, according to experts.

The number of people with asthma has risen dramatically in the last two decades, say the authors of a new "Brussels Declaration on Asthma", sponsored by The Asthma, Allergy and Inflammation Research Charity.

In particular, rates of childhood asthma have shot up, with one in five European children now suffering from the condition. But only one in twenty patients gain control of the disease, and there is still no definitive test to diagnose asthma.

The new Brussels Declaration wants urgent action from policymakers, regulators and doctors, and the recognition that asthma is a serious problem. It calls for changes in asthma regulations and clinical guidelines, to ensure that asthma patients are diagnosed correctly and given the best care.

Lead author, Professor Stephen Holgate of Southampton University, UK, said: "Asthma is a public health problem affecting all age groups that demands strong action at multiple levels. The needs and perspectives of the people with asthma, their families and care givers are a central focus within this Declaration.

"This includes attention to the other diseases that coexist with asthma, diet, air quality, exercise and housing, as well as better and more appropriate assessment and use of anti-asthma drugs, taking account of patients' concerns about side effects."

The experts call for an urgent update to the 2002 European Medicines Agency guidance on asthma in order to reflect the latest research. They feel the guidance should recognise the importance of "patient-centred" outcomes, and above all, encourage improvements in asthma treatments for children.

Tags: Allergies & Asthma | Europe

Printer friendly page