ASTHMA nurse Liz Boden is leading a campaign with a blunt message this month, telling sufferers that the only way to improve their quality of life is with proper medication.

She said that many asthmatics depend on rescue inhalers or work at avoiding triggers to prevent attacks instead of getting the correct prescription from their doctor.

With May designated as Asthma Awareness Month, it's one of the messages her charity, Open Airways, hopes to spread to the public.

"May is the peak time for asthma in Bermuda," Mrs. Boden explained. "With the change of season, there's more pollen in the air. For years everyone has gone on about triggers ? household plants, pets, carpets, smoke, perfume.

"However hard you try to avoid your triggers, you will never be able to change the weather or get rid of all the mould and mildew, the air pollution from vehicles, the pollens and grasses. It's impossible to get rid of the symptoms of asthma.

"Of course, we want people to do all they can do, but the most important thing is to see their doctor and get the proper medication they need to control their symptoms. Most people with asthma need a very low dose controller or 'preventer' medication daily."

On Tuesday, Open Airways will join the rest of the world in celebrating World Asthma Day. Entitled Action Asthma Month, the aim is to provide free advice on asthma to the public. Additionally, Government clinics and local paediatricians will give free spacers to children in need.

"The simple message is, if you've got asthma, you must have medicine," Mrs. Boden said. "Modern asthma medications are safe and effective. They are not addictive, they will not make you gain weight, they will not stunt your child's growth and they are not the same as the anabolic steroids associated with bodybuilders and athletes."

Quoting statistics that 90 per cent of deaths from asthma are preventable, the nurse stressed that everyone with asthma should have a reliever inhaler and should always travel with it. Usually blue, its medication offers quick relief to symptoms, relaxing the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways within ten to 15 minutes and making it easier to breathe.

Because relievers do not reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways, people who use them more than once a day also need additional treatment. Known as a 'preventer', such medication also stops the airways from being so sensitive to asthma triggers.

"Asthmatics need to put a block in their lungs before they go out every day because they'll never be able to get rid of all the pollen, the trees, the flowers, the weather," Mrs. Boden said. "However motivated you are, (the earth) will never be a perfect place for people with allergies. Remember to take your 'preventer' medication every day, even when you feel well. Always use a spacer when using 'preventer' inhalers and rinse your mouth after every use."

With more than 200 health care professionals trained, no one in Bermuda should suffer from asthma symptoms, the nurse added. Information and asthma equipment is offered free of charge at Open Airways, with additional support offered through the Asthma Education Centre at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

For more information on asthma, visit www.openairways.com or www.whatsasthma.com. To reach Open Airways, telephone 232-0264. To contact the Asthma Education Centre at KEMH telephone 236-2345 ext. 1652.