One in ten children going without asthma medication due to financial pressure

New research reveals that one in ten parents say their children have gone without asthma medication because of financial pressures.

The Asthma Society of Ireland is calling on the Government to take action and to suggest measures to help those facing this difficult decision.

In their Pre-Budget Submission, the Asthma Society is suggesting for the phased introduction of free Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) inhalers for people with asthma; this will begin with children aged 12-17.

The Asthma Society says that this would remove a significant financial barrier to treatment, improve health outcomes for children living with asthma, reduce pressure on hospitals, and deliver long-term savings for the HSE.

The MART inhalers are recommended in Irish and international clinical guidelines as the preferred treatment for people aged 12 and over.

CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, Eilís Ní Chaithnía said: “Asthma is increasingly a cost-of-living issue, an equality issue and a public health issue. No family should have to decide whether they can afford the medication their child needs,” said Ms Ní Chaithnía.

“We know which treatments are recommended. We know they reduce severe asthma attacks, improve quality of life and help keep people out of hospital. Yet financial pressure continues to put this care beyond the reach of too many families.”

Michelle Cusack Sexton, whose daughter Gemma has asthma, said the ongoing expense of managing the condition can place considerable strain on families.

“After Gemma had a severe asthma attack, she went from being a world champion kickboxer to being afraid to train again. Moving to a MART inhaler has made a huge difference to how well her asthma is controlled, but the cost of managing her condition still places a real strain on our family every month,” she said.

“Watching your child struggle to breathe is something no parent should ever experience. I hope this Budget will ensure that every young person with asthma can access the care they need, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.”