EVENT: Public Meeting
TOPIC: “Controlling your Asthma – Facts to Take your Breath Away”
DATE: 11 November 2008, 6.30 pm
VENUE: Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, 6 Kildare Street, Dublin 2

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the Asthma Society of Ireland will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, 11 November 2008, at 6.30pm at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, 6 Kildare Street, Dublin 2. The subject for discussion is asthma and how to control it.

“More than one person dies from asthma every week in Ireland. Asthma deaths are unacceptable in Ireland in 2008. People with asthma can take steps to control their condition, rather than allowing it to control them,” said Dr Jean Holohan, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland.

“Over the past decade, Ireland - along with many other western countries - has seen a massive increase in the prevalence of asthma. More than 470,000 Irish people suffer from this increasingly common and often debilitating condition, and prevalence in Ireland is now the fourth highest in the world. 

“The key to keeping your asthma under control is to have a written asthma action plan from your doctor or asthma nurse, take your preventer medication regularly, every day - even when you're feeling well. That's because it works over a period of time to give your airways the protection they need," Dr Holohon says.

"Keep your preventer in a handy place, so that taking it becomes part of your daily routine."

It is estimated that asthma is the reason for 20,000 Emergency attendances in hospitals per year. According to Dr Holohan, many of these could be prevented by taking simple measures.

Leading respiratory consultants will address the public meeting on 11 November, and those attending will have an opportunity to pose their own questions. 

The meeting is open to all members of the public and there is no charge for attendance. However, those wishing to attend are asked to apply for tickets by email to college@rcpi.ie or by telephone 01-863 9700.