People ignorant about asthma attacks
06 March 2006

Only half of people questioned in a new survey carried out by BRMB knew what to do if someone was having an asthma attack.

This startling finding is in spite of the fact that the same survey found that 93% of people know that an asthma attack can be fatal. In response to this Asthma UK today (6 March) launches its Deadly Serious campaign, including a television advert which highlights that underestimating asthma could be a fatal mistake.

Asthma UK wants everyone with asthma, or who cares for someone with asthma, to have an Asthma UK Asthma Attack Card, which contains basic information about what to do in an asthma attack.

Asthma UK Chief Executive, Donna Covey, said: ‘If you have asthma, or if know someone with asthma, you should have an Asthma Attack Card. We hope our Deadly Serious campaign will encourage people to contact Asthma UK for their own Asthma Attack Card, which could help save lives.’

Asthma UK’s Chief Medical Adviser, Professor Martyn Partridge, added: ‘Asthma should always be taken seriously. Asthma Attack Cards are important in ensuring people know what to do in an asthma attack. We would also encourage people with asthma to ask their doctor for a written personal asthma action plan. This helps people recognise deteriorating asthma and gives advice about how to alter therapy and when to seek urgent medical attention. Most severe asthma comes on gradually and there is plenty of time to alter therapy to prevent it worsening.’