A new study shows that one in five people with asthma in Ireland smoke and that many of people who suffer from the condition have poorer control over it than they may think.

Results from a pan-European asthma survey reveal that nearly half of all Irish people with asthma are classified as having 'uncontrolled' asthma, according to the GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma), asthma control classification.

The survey shows that on average, people with asthma experience symptoms nearly three days a week. Uncontrolled asthma is unadvisable, according to experts, as it may progress to the point of an asthma attack, and can often result in the recurrence or worsening of symptoms for those with asthma.

In its its findings, the REcognise Asthma and LInk to Symptoms and Experience (REALISE) study showed that 92% of Irish people with asthma claim confidence in managing their asthma well on their own, yet 48% of these respondents are classified as 'uncontrolled' by GINA classification.

Irish people with asthma follow only the Italians (53%), Norwegians (52%) and Germans (51%) in levels of uncontrolled asthma - and are placed higher than the overall EU average, which shows that 45% of EU asthma sufferers are uncontrolled.

Monica Fletcher, Chair of The European Lung Foundation, said the results show there is a disconnect in how people with asthma in Ireland and across the EU view management of their asthma.

"For example, Irish respondents are the second highest in the EU to rely on their reliever inhaler in a week; yet over half of Irish respondents believe they are managing their asthma well and perceive themselves to be in good health. We need to help people with asthma to understand that asthma control is essential to lead a better quality of life, reduce symptoms and lead to better outcomes in their health in later life."

Irish people with asthma were also found to have no time to think about their health - only 6% of Irish respondents think about their asthma daily and one in ten admitted to never thinking about their asthma whatsoever.

One-in-five people with asthma in Ireland are still smoking, which emphasise the findings that people with asthma are not concerned about their condition and perceive it as not serious, according to the research

Sharon Cosgrove, Chief Executive of the Asthma Society of Ireland (ASI) said theresults further demonstrated the importance of the National Clinical Programme for Asthma to improve management of the condition in Ireland.

Attitudes across Europe to asthma management show that two-thirds of people with asthma believe that their condition holds them back in some way and 40% are anxious about not knowing when the next asthma attack is coming.

Yet in contrast, 40% find using their inhaler a nuisance and more than half have not had their inhaler technique checked in the previous year.

Irish respondents were found to be the second-lowest across EU in this regard, with only-one third of Irish people with asthma having had their inhaler technique checked in the last 12 months.

In addition, 36% of European respondents are embarrassed about using an inhaler in front of others, while 26% feel embarrassed just carrying it around with them.

The researchers say this indicates that people with asthma often prioritise their image over their well-being.