Asthma: • is one of the most common respiratory complaints in the world today. • affects one in ten children (10%) and one in twenty adults (5%) • can occur for the first time at any age, even in adulthood. •usually begins before the age of five years. A few children affected will ‘outgrow” it during their teenage years but it usually persists if contracted in adulthood. • tends to run in families as do related allergic conditions like hay fever and eczema. • cannot as yet be cured but if kept under control, those affected will be able to live normal lives enjoying full involvement in sport and all other activities.