Updated 07 May 2002, 10.53

			Fact File
	Asthma
		It often starts in childhood
		Attacks can be triggered by allergies, or they can start for no reason
		The most common allergies to spark asthma are pollen, dust-mites and animals
		The most common treatment for asthma is inhalers

A survey by the National Asthma Campaign (NAC) found there were problems with children not being diagnosed early enough, schools not being supportive, bad experiences in casualty and worries about medicine.

Asthma is a condition which makes it hard for sufferers to breathe, and can cause wheezing. Sometimes this leads to an asthma 'attack', which can be fatal.

More research

One in eight children in the UK are currently being treated for asthma, and one in five have been diagnosed with asthma at some point.

Children in the UK also suffer from 'severe wheezing' more than any other kids in the world.

The NAC called for more research into why children get asthma in the first place, better care from doctors and nurses, and for schools to develop 'asthma plans' to treat pupils better.

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	National Asthma Campaign
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