Asthma is a huge problem in Bermuda affecting around one in four pre-schoolers, one in six older children and one in ten adults.

The incidence of asthma is rising and has been reaching epidemic levels as in other developed countries around the world.

Mrs. Boden said Bermuda's variable sub-tropical climate with extremely high humidity year round is an ideal environment for mould, mildew, dust-mites and cockroaches while its lush vegetation also pumps out potential allergic triggers for asthma sufferers.

She said: "Bermuda, with an area of only 21 square miles, has 52,000 vehicles causing considerable air pollution.

"A large number of vehicles have diesel engines, which is proven to be a major irritant for people with asthma."

Asthma is the number one cause for people visiting The Emergency Department and for admission to hospital apart from maternity said Mrs. Boden, who noted the disease was the biggest cause of absences from work and school as there were around 10,000 sufferers.

However Mrs. Boden said the disease was very treatable and people going to hospital with the disease meant the system had failed.

Socio-economic factors also play a part in maintaining the disease.

"There is gross overcrowding in the low socio economic group. Children are known to be sleeping on old mattresses on the floor."

And Mrs. Boden said children from broken homes, who stayed in more than one place, often didn't take their medicines with them.

"It is difficult to educate all the family members caring for the asthmatic child."

She said problems caused by asthma were compounded because the poor often didn't have health insurance.

"Many elderly people with asthma or chronic obstructive airway disease have no health insurance coverage for medications, doctor's office visits or health education. Medications are extremely expensive in Bermuda.

"Many elderly people suffering from emphysema cannot afford oxygen therapy and therefore do without."

For further asthma advice call Debbie Barboza at the Asthma Education centre at KEMH 236 2345 x1162 to make an appointment or call Liz Boden at the Nurses' Practice on 232 0264.