ASTHMA sufferers in Yorkshire are getting the second worst care in the country, a new study can reveal - although York fares relatively well.

Out of the nine strategic health authorities, Yorkshire and Humberside recorded the second highest rate of hospital admissions for asthma in 2004.

The figures - which have been standardised to take into account population differences - show each primary care trust (PCT) in Yorkshire and Humberside treated on average 119 emergency cases of asthma, with only the North West treating more.

The former Selby and York PCT recorded 107 hospital admissions for asthma - higher than the national average of 100.

Asthma UK claims the high number of admissions in Yorkshire is due to failings in care and, together with East Yorkshire MP Greg Knight, pictured, the charity has launched a campaign to tackle the problem.

Donna Covey, of Asthma UK, said: "It is vital we address the shocking divide between those regions with the lowest and highest number of emergency hospital admissions for asthma.

"There is an unfair postcode lottery in asthma care and we're delighted to have Mr Knight supporting our campaign."

One person is admitted to hospital every eight minutes in England because of their asthma, with one in six people requiring further emergency care within two weeks.

But according to Asthma UK, 75 per cent of hospital admissions for asthma are avoidable and are costing the NHS £43.7 million every year.

To bring this figure down, the charity wants to see more community-based asthma specialists in Yorkshire and for them to be equipped with emergency asthma care materials. It is also campaigning for annual reviews and care plans for all asthma sufferers to help them manage their condition more easily.

North Yorkshire and York PCT said there was nobody available to comment.


Hospital admissions for asthma in 2004 by region:
(standardised to take into account demographic differences)

North West: 129
Yorkshire: 119
West Midlands: 111
North East: 109
East Midlands: 97
London: 95
South West: 89
South East: 80
East of England: 78

Disease facts

ASTHMA is a chronic disease of the respiratory system in which the airway occasionally constricts, becomes inflamed, and is lined with excessive amounts of mucus, often in response to one or more triggers.

These episodes may be triggered by such things as exposure to an environmental stimulant (or allergen), cold air, exercise or exertion, or emotional stress.

In children, the most common triggers are viral illnesses, such as those that cause the common cold.

This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which respond to bronchodilators.

Between episodes, most patients feel mostly all right, but can have a slight problem feeling out of breath for longer periods of time.

The symptoms of asthma, which range from mild to life-threatening, can usually be controlled with a combination of drugs and environmental changes.