We must work together to ensure that the care of every person with asthma in Scotland, wherever he or she lives, at least meets the standards set out in existing national guidelines

NACS director Marjory O'Donnell

About 30 MSPs are expected to attend a meeting at the Scottish Parliament to discuss the findings of the report.

An audit carried out by the NACS in 1997/1998 estimated that 164,000 adults and 128,000 children had the condition.

Asthma was classified as a rare disease until the mid-1950s, but in recent times more cases have been reported, particularly in developed or industrialised countries.

Some of the main theories for the increase include greater recognition and treatment of the condition by doctors and changes in lifestyle patterns and diet.

The NACS report concludes that asthma has become more common over the past few decades and that, despite this, few health boards in Scotland have designated the condition as a priority in their region.

Care standards

NACS director Marjory O'Donnell said: "National commitment from policy-makers such as the Scottish Executive is needed to drive improvement of asthma care.

"We must work together to ensure that the care of every person with asthma in Scotland, wherever he or she lives, at least meets the standards set out in existing national guidelines."

She said health boards and professionals needed to review local standards of care and address any issues raised.

The report, which is being formally unveiled at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, is being backed by Scottish National Party MSP Margo MacDonald.

She said: "It gives a clear and focused overview of what needs to be done for a better deal for people with asthma in Scotland."