in Bermuda and those numbers are growing.

The respiratory disease is controllable but there is no known cure.

To mark World Asthma Day this Thursday, the Phoenix Centre on Reid Street will be offering free asthma counselling from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A trained nurse will be on hand in the store to discuss any concerns the public may have in relation to the disease which is often caused by allergies.

Asthma causes the airways to the lungs to become narrow and congested, making breathing very difficult.

Kathy Chapman of Edgewood Paediatrics is one of the nurses who will be offering consultations at the store. "Although there is no cure for asthma, there are many ways that asthma sufferers can minimise asthma attacks,'' she said. "Sufferers need to avoid contact with dust and pollens, exercise regularly and use the medications prescribed by their doctor.

"Many patients are not using their inhalers as effectively as they could, so we encourage people to come to the Phoenix on May 3rd to discuss their inhaler technique with us.'' Asthma is often triggered by allergies to items such as pollen, mould, animals and dust mites. Because of this there are environmental controls asthma sufferers can take to minimise their symptoms.

Asthma can also be triggered by exercise, high humidity, weather, stress, smoke, viral infections and medications.