One million Britons "risk deadly asthma attacks"

More than a million Britons risk a deadly asthma attack – because they misuse inhalers, experts say.

The number of deadly attacks has increased by 20% over the past five years, which means that the UK is now experiencing one of the worst mortality rates from lung disease in Europe.

Getty – Contributor

A new report published by Asthma UK revealed that more than half of sufferers do not use inhalers correctly.

This means that the full dose of medication can not enter the lungs, where it is necessary to protect them against a life-threatening attack of asthma.

Instead, it stays in the mouth or in the back of the throat, which can also make people more susceptible to side effects such as oral thrush.

The charity also found that nearly one in five people do not have their inhalation technique checked, despite national guidelines stating that this should occur during an annual review .

"Breathless"

Paul Wilson, 44, of Glasgow, was hospitalized 48 times because of his asthma and had to be resuscitated 25 times.

He missed vital inhalation technique checks with his GP because he missed his annual asthma exams.

He said: "I have been forced many times to hospital, I have been put on a drip, nebulizers and I even finished intensive care.

"But I had never really thought about how to manage my asthma or how to use my inhaler properly, and looking back I took a whiff and hoped for the best.

"My symptoms were getting so severe that I had an asthma attack every week.

Looking back, I just took a whiff and hoped for the best

Paul Wilsonasthmatic

"I woke up in the middle of the night, out of breath and had the impression that someone was sitting on my chest.

"I realized that I needed help and made an appointment with my specialist asthma nurse for a medication review.

"They said that the way I used my inhaler meant that only 10 to 20% of the medicine was entering my lungs.

"They showed me the right inhalation technique and even gave me a tab to use.The impact on asthma is amazing." I even ran the London Marathon for Asthma UK last year.

"I never thought that something so simple could completely transform my life."

Technical check

Asthma UK has enlisted doctors, asthma nurses and a pharmacist to help patients by helping them in their technique after a separate study revealed that 9 professionals from out of 10 health did not know that they could demonstrate the use of an inhaler.

Andy Whittamore, Clinical Lead at Asthma UK and General Practitioner, said, "Inhalers are the simplest treatment for most asthmatics. So it is really worrisome that many people do not take them properly or do not undergo a technical check by their general practitioner or asthma nurse.

"With so many different types of inhalers that are all used in different ways, it can be difficult for patients and health professionals to know the proper way to use them.

"It is also easy for patients to take bad habits or simply forget the best technique after their appointments, especially if they use a new type of inhaler.

"But even a small change in how a person uses their inhaler can make a huge difference and can prevent them from having a life-threatening asthma attack.

"We urge asthmatics and healthcare professionals to watch Asthma UK's videos so they can trust how people can use their inhalers to stay healthy."

Asthma, United Kingdom

Asthmatics urged to look for defective inhalers, endangering thousands of lives

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