People don't realise dangers of asthma

Sufferer Emily reveals terrifying attacks can leave her in A&E ward

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

AN asthma sufferer who has been repeatedly hospitalised with breathing difficulties said she wished people fully appreciated how serious the condition can be.

Emily Smyth, 33, was diagnosed with severe asthma in her early 20s. And despite having few symptoms as a child, the Dubliner had a sudden serious attack when she was 21 years old.

She told the Irish Sunday Mirror: "I was in the middle of an exam and I was totally convinced they thought I was cheating because I kept going to the bathroom.

"I just couldn't catch my breath and was coughing so much. I was distracting everyone else so I kept leaving the exam.