NEW BOOK 'WHEEZING WOLF AND THREE LITTLE PIGS' LAUNCHED FOR YOUNG CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA

Dublin, 1 October 2007: To coincide with the return to school of thousands of children from all over Ireland, an educational book about asthma entitled 'The Wheezing Wolf and The Three little Pigs' was launched today in Dublin.
An adaptation of the original fairytale, it tells the story of a young wolf named Wilbur who has asthma. Suitable for children aged 6-8 years, the book provides essential information to make children feel comfortable about having asthma whilst highlighting the necessary steps to achieve asthma control. The book was supported by an educational grant from Merck Sharp & Dohme Ireland (Human Health) Ltd.

At least 20% of all Irish children have asthma and they lose on average 10 days from school per annum. The importance of being aware of and avoiding asthma 'triggers' such as pollen, house dust mites and cigarette smoke which may cause asthma, as well as taking their medicine as part of a controlled asthma management plan are key messages in the book. Some children's asthma is triggered by exercise but, with proper management, children with asthma can have fun and enjoy exercise.

Rugby commentator and children's books author Brent Pope offered his time to write this book. Speaking at the launch he said "I am happy to be a part of this project as I know what it is like to have childhood asthma. It can be very distressing for parents and children. Through the book we hope that children will learn about asthma; why it happens and what they can do to prevent it."

Speaking on the importance of being in control of your asthma, Dr Peter Greally, Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at Tallaght Hospital said "Speaking on the importance of being in control of your asthma, Dr Peter Greally, Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at Tallaght Hospital said "Nowadays, there are many more treatment options available for children of all ages with asthma which ensure they can lead normal and active lives. If children will not or cannot take inhaled treatments there are now oral non- steroidal controller medications available. Control of asthma is key and it is vital that children use their preventer medicine as part of their daily asthma management plan. In fact, according to the latest revision of asthma guidelines, if your child's day-to-day asthma is well controlled, they should not need to use their reliever inhaler more than twice a week"

The main types of asthma medicines are relievers and preventers and they work in different ways. Relievers are taken when asthma symptoms appear, whereas preventers control the airways from being so sensitive and reduce the risk of severe attacks.

Dr Jean Holohan of the Asthma Society of Ireland said "We really appreciate the time that Brent Pope has given to writing this children's book. The Wheezing Wolf and Three Little Pigs provides some very important and practical information in a fun way to help children be confident about managing their asthma. At the end of the booklet there is also helpful information for parents. If parents are concerned about their child's asthma, they should talk to their GP, asthma nurse or contact the Asthma Society Helpline".

Copies of the 'Wheezing Wolf and the Three Little Pigs' book together with other information on paediatric asthma are available on request. For more information about asthma, please contact the Asthma Society of Ireland's helpline on 1850 44 54 64. The book was supported by an educational grant of Merck Sharp & Dohme Ireland (Human Health) Ltd.