Dr. Basil Elnazir:

Deputy Colreavy asked about asthma incidence in Ireland and the fact that we rank fourth in the asthma world league. We do not know why asthma is on the increase. Is it an artifact of better recognition in that we know more about asthma and how to diagnose it? Asthma is unique in that it is an interplay between genetics and environment. The genetics load the gun and the environment pulls the trigger, which is a simple way of putting it. However, there are many other factors and attributes. Obesity, for example, is associated with increased asthma attacks.