Asthma fears

May 8 2008 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

WORRYING disparities over admission rates for children with asthma in different parts of the country have been revealed in a report.

In England, the figures show an eightfold difference between different NHS primary care trusts.

Sadly, Kirklees is highlighted in the survey as having the seventh highest number of admissions for asthma emergencies in Yorkshire.

When asthma patients have a problem it needs to be treated promptly otherwise they could be admitted to hospital. It is far better if they are informed on how to cope with the problem with help and advice in the community.

It should not be expecting too much to ask that parents play their part in managing the condition by making sure their child has an asthma review with their GP every nine to 12 months.

Unfortunately, the figures suggest an inconsistency in the local services which might keep children out of hospital.