How much do you know about asthma?
Despite more than 5.4 million asthma sufferers in Britain, new research indicates that we have a low understanding of the condition.
Although 94% of Brits understand that asthma is a serious health problem, there are still a shocking 1,140 deaths that occur every year as a result of asthma attacks, many of which could be due to the lack of awareness around how to manage and control the condition.
An overwhelming 90% of these fatalities are preventable, yet almost half of the nation admits that they would not know how to help someone suffering an attack. This is hardly surprising considering a mere 37% of Brits have an understanding of suitable asthma medication or knowing the difference between blue and brown inhalers. This proves that the majority of the nation is unaware that asthma can be controlled better by using the brown preventer inhalers correctly, minimising the need to use the blue inhaler, which should be used when feeling particularly out of breath.
When questioned on the symptoms of asthma, by Asda, 1 in 4 Brits were unable to identify the condition, and 17% wrongly thought that blocked sinuses were a key symptom. A further 15% attributed feeling dizzy to their asthma and 13%, itchy eyes, rather than the typical respiratory symptoms of wheezing, feeling breathless, having a tight chest or coughing.
Other asthma myths that are wheezing their way around Britain include the belief that there is a cure for the lifelong illness, which is wrongly believed by a third of Brits. A spluttering 15% have also inhaled the opinion that asthma only affects ‘unfit’ people, which is untrue as many top athletes suffer the condition, including double Olympic gold medalist Laura Trott.
Fasial Tuddy, deputy superintendent pharmacist, commented: “Considering there are so many asthma sufferers around the UK, it is shocking to see how little the nation understands about the condition.
“Although 94% of Brits are aware asthma is a life threatening condition, it is worrying that we are lapse in our attitudes about managing asthma and keeping it under control.”
A huge 75% of hospital admissions related to asthma could be avoided if people were in better control of their condition and Asda is pledging to reduce this number by offering free asthma checks across its 254 pharmacies. In addition, the supermarket is working with Asthma UK to give out free Asthma UK “My Asthma” packs to teach children and their parents how to manage their condition.
What to do if you are suffering an asthma attack:
The following guidelines were created by Asthma UK and are suitable for both children and adults. These are the recommended steps to follow to overcome an asthma attack:
1. Take one to two puffs of your reliever inhaler (usually blue), immediately
2. Sit down and try to take slow, steady breaths
3. If you do not start to feel better, take two puffs of your reliever inhaler (one puff at a time) every two minutes. You can take up to ten puffs
4. If you do not feel better after taking your inhaler as above, or if you are worried at any time, call 999
5. If an ambulance does not arrive within 10 minutes and you are still feeling unwell, repeat step 3
If your symptoms improve and you do not need to call 999, you still need to see a doctor or asthma nurse within 24 hours.