Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation
Asthma-related hospital admissions plummeted by almost 20 per cent during a four-year period, new findings show.
A study, by the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ) led by Professor Richard Beasley, revealed that between 2019 and 2022, there was a 108 per cent rise in the use of combination (2-in-1) inhalers. This surge coincided with a 17 per cent decrease in hospital admissions for asthma during the same period.
This study shows that New Zealand is leading the world in effective asthma management and treatment.
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the proof is in the pudding.
“This study also reflects the hard work the Foundation does in disseminating information that changes asthma management and supports the 1 in 8 Kiwis living with asthma in New Zealand.
“Our goal is to reduce hospitalisations for all respiratory conditions and this is proof that our work makes a difference.”
The Foundation, with the support of its Scientific Advisory Board (of which Professor Beasley is also a member), develops and distributes the national asthma guidelines for all health professionals in New Zealand, Ms Harding says.
“This has been pivotal in standardising asthma care and ensuring that the best practices are implemented nationwide.”
The Foundation receives no Government funding, so the development of these crucial resources is made possible through community grants, our Fri
