A charity in the U.K. has raised concerns about the rising number of deaths from asthma, with around 12,000 people dying from the disease over the past decade. This is despite evidence that the majority of these deaths are preventable, according to a review by the Royal College of Physicians. Risk factors for asthma deaths include overuse of reliever inhalers, underuse of preventer inhalers, and a lack of follow-up after emergency hospital visits. The review also recommended regular asthma reviews, documented treatment plans, and inhaler technique checks for those with the condition.
However, the charity Asthma + Lung UK found that almost 70% of people surveyed were not receiving this basic care package, and many did not receive appropriate follow-up after a hospital admission. Only 20% of patients saw a family doctor within two days of leaving the hospital, and 40% did not receive follow-up care within 28 days. With asthma affecting around 5.4 million people in the U.K., there is a clear need for improved asthma management and care.
RCP clinical vice president John Dean expressed concerns about the current inability of hospital and community teams to provide the necessary care for people with asthma. He highlighted the need for a preventative approach to asthma care rather than just treating emergencies. Family doctor and clinical lead at Asthma + Lung UK, Andy Whittamore, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the seriousness of asthma and supporting individuals to manage their condition effectively.
While acknowledging the progress made since the 2014 RCP review, Asthma + Lung UK’s policy lead Sarah MacFadyen described the current situation as a crisis in asthma care. She called for national targets on preventable asthma deaths and highlighted the need for increased investment in care and research to improve outcomes for individuals with asthma. By addressing issues such as complacency around asthma and improving access to care, policymakers have the opportunity to save lives and enhance the quality of life for those with the condition.
