A new asthma and allergy support group -- affiliated with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America -- has been set up in Bermuda.

Charles Leon O'Brien, the founder of The Bermuda Asthma & Allergy Support Group, disclosed plans to conduct an islandwide Asthma Education Campaign aimed at reducing asthma patients' medical costs and teaching them how to live with and control their illness.

Noting that this was a recommendation in the 1996 Health Care Review, Mr.

O'Brien said asthma prevalence was increasing in Bermuda and the US where the illness claimed the lives of more than 5,000 people in 1989.

The dust mite, Mr. O'Brien said, had been recognised as a major source of allergies and was a permanent resident in most Bermuda homes.

"The existence of the dust mite makes asthma and allergies worse and contributes to the problem of eczema,'' he added. "The Asthma & Allergy Support Group will be raising funds to educate those who suffer from allergies by teaching them how to control their environment.'' In addition to providing learning materials and literature for asthma and allergy patients and their families, Mr. O'Brien said support group members will receive discounts on asthma and allergy-related items from the Bermuda Asthma & Allergy Relief Centre which was instrumental in getting the support group registered and purchasing equipment and material for it.

The group, which has set a financial target of $25,000 for this year, also plans hold an annual Asthma Awareness Week in May to educate the public and update the community on asthma, eczema and allergies.

Beginning on May 3, a golf tournament, fun day, and fundraising banquet will be held at Ocean View Golf Club. This will be followed by a meeting on May 5 for nurses with a presentation by a Caribbean asthma and allergy educator. A similar meeting for doctors will be held on May 7.

And public seminars on asthma and allergies will be held on May 6 and 8 at the Cathedral Hall on Church Street.

For further information on the support group and their activities call 292-9246.