26 April 2007

`Breathalyser Test' for Perth shoppers on World Asthma Day

Photo opportunity - Tuesday May 1st, St John's Centre, Perth
From 9.30 am

Shoppers in Perth’s St John’s Centre are being invited to take a "breathalyser test" for asthma on World Asthma Day.

A team of researchers led by Professor Brian Lipworth, from the University of Dundee’s Asthma and Allergy Research Group, will be in the centre throughout the day on Tuesday May 1st giving the quick tests which can have a long-lasting impression.

"This is a very simple, 90-second test from which we can gain an initial impression of whether someone may be suffering from asthma," said Dr Arun Nair, Specialist Registrar and Clinical Research Fellow in the Asthma and Allergy Research Group.

"Many people experience asthma-type symptoms without ever seeking a diagnosis, and we know that there are many people suffering from asthma who simply don’t realise it."

"We held a similar event in the Overgate Centre in Dundee last year and in testing dozens of people we found many presenting asthma symptoms or similar conditions that they had never had diagnosed before. The difference it can make to someone’s life from having a condition like this diagnosed and then properly treated can be really significant."

"The added bonus is that this is a very quick and safe test and people don’t even have to go to a medical centre to take it, so they won’t have to sacrifice too much shopping time!"

Nurses and research staff will also be on hand to distribute information on asthma and rhinitis, a group of conditions which includes hayfever.

The Asthma and Allergy Research Group has a base within Perth Royal Infirmary, which is carrying out a number of projects including dedicated research into asthma, allergic rhinitis and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

NOTES TO EDITORS

* 300 Million people worldwide have asthma, and this is expected to increase by a further 100 million by 2025

* Scotland has the highest prevalence rates in the world for childhood asthma symptoms. In adults, Scotland is 3rd highest

* One in twelve adults in Scotland have asthma, which means 390,000 are currently receiving treatment

* 95% of adult asthmatics have symptoms that could be better controlled

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk