There's a warning Kiwi parents are underestimating the dangers of asthma and could be putting their children at risk of hospitalisation.

Today is World Asthma Day.

Asthma New Zealand says New Zealand has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world, with nearly 8000 people hospitalised each year and around 65 deaths.

Executive Director Linda Thompson says Kiwis are too cavalier in managing their asthma symptoms.

"People are just not taking it seriously enough and not realising the long term lung damage they could be doing to themselves by not looking after themselves in the early stages or at first diagnosis of asthma."

"We just want people to take stock of what they should be doing themselves and taking control of their respiratory health and looking after themselves."

Today is World Asthma Day.