Childhood asthma: She looked at me with fear in her eyes – her breathing was so loud, as if no air could get in or out

Eleanor Glennon didn’t realise just how serious asthma could be until her daughter Ivy had an attack. She shares the importance of seeking appropriate treatment, and how the family manages the condition now

Eleanor Glennon pictured with he daughter Ivy Glennon at their home in Kinnegad. Photo: Tom O'Hanlon

Arlene Harris

According to the HSE, Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence of asthma worldwide, with around 450,000 people officially diagnosed with the condition in the country - that’s one in 10 of the population. And the prevalence is even higher amongst children, with around 21pc affected.