Half million school days lost to asthma each year

About 500,000 school days are lost each year due to asthma, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation says.

The foundation released new asthma figures today to illustrate the illness' "drastic impact" ahead of Asthma Awareness Week next week.

Foundation communications manager Malcolm Aitken said one in four children and one in six adults suffered from asthma.

"That's a huge negative impact. Asthma is the leading reason for kids and young people being hospitalised in New Zealand," he said.

Asthma Awareness Week aims to increase awareness and raise funds for child asthma research.

- NZPA