Asthma patients 'missing out on basic care'

Millions of asthma patients in the UK are not getting basic care they need to manage their condition, a charity says.

Asthma UK, which questioned more than 4,500 patients, said two-thirds miss out on yearly check-ups, tailored advice and lessons in how to use their asthma inhalers.

It says it is a slight improvement on a year ago but remains a bleak picture.

In 2015 in the UK, 1,468 people died from an asthma attack - the highest level in a decade.

The latest annual asthma care survey suggests:

• Eight in every 10 people with asthma do not have their condition under control

• Almost half of the respondents said their asthma symptoms got in the way of day-to-day life

• Although most said the care they received was either satisfactory or excellent, few received a full package of the most basic care

Asthma UK says this is not good enough.

According to the charity, two in every three asthma deaths could be prevented with good basic care.

In the UK, 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma. One million of these are children.

NHS England says every asthma patient should be supported to manage their condition and offered regular reviews.

Asthma UK says it is not just medical staff who need to do more, people with asthma must take responsibility for their own care too.

It says digital health technology, including electronic alerts and reminders to mobile phones, could help patients keep on the right track.

An NHS England spokeswoman said: "Whilst we recognise the important issues in this annual survey, we also expect patients to take shared responsibility for managing aspects of this long term condition.

"It is important that patients consult with their GP where necessary and know how to use their medication properly.

"In future, digital solutions may improve dialogue with health professionals and ensure the widespread development of personal asthma action plans to help avoid unnecessary and costly hospital visits for treatment."

Dr Penny Woods, the chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: "The findings of Asthma UK's survey are typical of all lung diseases.

"Patients aren't receiving the care they need to help them manage their condition and there are still wide variations in care across the UK.

"Due to a lack of prioritisation in health policy, we now have the fourth highest mortality rates from lung disease in Europe."