High time to control asthma The Asthma Foundation launches its hot air balloon over Perth this morning to raise awareness of the condition on World Asthma Day. PICTURE: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow IT was a high-flying launch and the message was anything but hot air. Images of The Asthma Foundation WA's hot air balloon flying high over Perth were a pretty sight for motorists heading to work this morning. But its launch on World Asthma Day was a timely reminder that asthma sufferers cannot be complacent about their condition. ABS statistics released in March reported 378 deaths due to asthma in 2011, the majority of those in people aged 45 and over. While it's a decrease from 38 deaths in 2010, the foundation says it's important for WA asthma sufferers to recognise the serious of their condition. "There is still a concerning level of complacency surrounding the condition and we encourage people with asthma, particularly the older female population and the elderly, to be more vigilant with the management of their asthma," Asthma Foundation WA CEO David Johnson said. It is also important for those who are caring for someone with asthma to be aware of the dangers and best practice in treatment and management of the condition. For more inforation visit www.asthmawa.org.au