The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy

PRESS RELEASE - AUGUST 2000

As anyone who has searched the internet for health topics knows, there is a plethora of sites available. However, even for the experienced internet user, it is difficult to sort the good from the bad, or in the case of health and medical Web sites, the official versus the anecdotal. To help solve this dilemma, the

Australasian society of clinical immunology and allergy (ascia) has recently introduced 'ascia education resources' (aer) @ http://www.allergy.org.au/.

Twelve information bulletins on allergy and asthma are now available on the ascia website. It is anticipated that approximately ten more information bulletins will be launched throughout 2000, on allergy, asthma and immune diseases.
It is anticipated that 'aer' will have a large potential audience, due to the facts that:

• Allergies occur in around 1 in 3 Australians at some time in their lives
  
• Allergies account for around 500 000 sick days per year in Australia
  
• Allergies cause a wide range of symptoms which impact on quality of life
  
• Allergy is a major factor associated with the cause and persistence of asthma
  
• Approximately 1 in 10 Australians have had asthma at some time in their lives
  
• 27% of Australian children have symptoms of current asthma
  
• 12% of Australian adults have symptoms of current asthma
  
• The prevalence of allergies and asthma is increasing worldwide, particularly in developed countries

Patients won't be the only ones to benefit from 'aer'. Medical practitioners and other healthcare professionals will also now have ready access to reliable and up to date, plain English information for their patients and themselves, on allergy, asthma and immune diseases via the internet.

The launch of 'aer on the internet' represents STAGE ONE of a TWO STAGE ascia education project. During 2001 it is intended to produce many of the Aer information bulletins as printed brochures, (as STAGE TWO of the project), for patients without internet access.

Disclaimer
It is important to note that information contained in aer information bulletins is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner.

Contact: Jill Smith - Ascia Education Project Officer
Ph: 041 2141358 Fax: (02) 9907 9773
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