The Editor

Dear Sir,

A recent article in the Southern Highland News entitled "Asthma attack proves fatal" dealt with the very sad death of a young woman recently following an asthma attack.

While I do not know the circumstances of this particular case, I think it is important for your readers to know that, whilst asthma cannot yet be cured, it can be managed and managed well in most cases.

Australia has a very high prevalence of asthma but, thanks to improved asthma awareness and management over the last decade, the number of deaths from asthma has fallen substantially.

However, for a small number of people with brittle asthma, even good preventive may not always be successful.

I would like however to reassure your readers that there are some essential ingredients to good asthma management:

- Regular medical review by your GP or respiratory specialist.

- Taking your asthma medications (relievers and preventers) as prescribed by your doctor and continuing to take preventers even when you may be free of asthma symptoms.

- Asking your doctor to develop with you a written asthma action plan which you can carry at all times and which will tell you what to do if your symptoms get worse.

- Asking your pharmacist to regularly help you review your use of your asthma inhalers, spacers and any other devices to make sure you are getting optimal doses of your medication.

It is also important for people with asthma to know that the NSW Asthma Foundation can provide good advice on the management of asthma.

The Asthma Foundation's 1800 number is 1800 645 130.

Your readers may also like to get information about asthma by visiting the National Asthma Council's Website www.nationalasthma.org.au which is linked to the other asthma sites.

It is very important that anyone who has asthma should see their doctor regularly and follow their advice.

Yours faithfully,

Dr Ron Tomlins,

Chairman,

Nati onal Asthma Council Australia.