News / Society

‘Asthma patients not getting proper medication’

Tuesday, 16 June 2015 3:33 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 16 June 2015 3:34 PM ]

A newly-published report shows many Britons face death because of poor care.

Fresh research by a leading asthma charity has shown that tens of thousands of people are not getting the proper medication for their condition.

Asthma UK has issued a stark warning saying Britons’ lives are at risk. They analysed 100,000 patients’ records, finding out that some patients have actually been put on the wring type of inhalers. They also found that some doctors and medical experts failed to pick up on the condition getting worse and in some cases descending into dangerous territory.

GP and author of the National Review of Asthma Deaths, Dr. Mark Levy, believes needless deaths could be avoided if there is a radical overhaul of the treatment provided to asthma patients as well as a more comprehensive management of the disease. He said "we should be assessing and reviewing every patient and reviewing people every time they have an attack…a single review once a year is not acceptable."

Dr. Peter Carter of the Royal College of Nursing believes that the role of specialized nursing has never been more important. He also raises concerns over the recruitment of these nurses, saying "the role of specialist nurses is vital in supporting better patient and professional education, but the number of specialist nursing posts that have been eroded in recent years is deeply concerning."

Many experts have urged the need to take steps to prevent asthma getting worse. Professor Russell Viner, of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health believes that a “huge part of this is making sure we intervene early and ensure preventative medication is given as well as used to relieve symptoms in emergencies."

Asthma UK have said that asthma sufferers are in no immediate danger but have urged them to check their inhaler prescriptions. Experts have urged British people suffering from the condition to contact their local GP.

LM/HA

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