<![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/rss/ <![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/media/site/logo.png https://pressat.co.uk/rss/ en-gb Copyright: (C) Pressat Pressat <![CDATA[ Back to school asthma attack increase sparks health warning ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/back-to-school-asthma-attack-increase-sparks-health-warning-7f09e48fbfd753e1c25c6a86105b1014/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/back-to-school-asthma-attack-increase-sparks-health-warning-7f09e48fbfd753e1c25c6a86105b1014/ Tuesday 13 September, 2016

An annual surge in the number of children hospitalised due to asthma attacks in September has sparked a health warning to parents as their children settle back into school.

Charity Asthma UK warns that hospital admission data from the past five years reveals the number of youngsters needing emergency treatment for asthma in September is consistently more than double the number who needed it just a month earlier, in August.

In 2014 alone, the emergency hospital admissions for children with asthma in England, Scotland and Wales rocketed from 926 in August to 2,366 in September – a 155 per cent increase.

This worrying trend is believed to be due to children suddenly being exposed to cold and flu viruses on their return to class after the summer holidays, which are a common trigger of asthma attacks.

Lack of routine with medicines over the school holidays could also be an added factor. This means the protective benefits of a child’s preventer inhaler, which build up over time, are reduced when they return to school, so their airways are more likely to react to any asthma triggers, like cold and flu viruses and cold weather.

Andrew Proctor, Director of Advice and Support at Asthma UK, said: “There are 1.1 million children in the UK with asthma, and we know from surveys that two thirds of them have had an asthma attack at school. It must be incredibly worrying for a parent to receive a phone call telling them their child has had an asthma attack. The good news is that by taking a few simple steps parents can keep children as healthy as possible and reduce the chances of this happening.

“First of all, make sure your child has a written asthma action plan. We know that people with asthma are four times more likely to end up in hospital for their asthma if they don’t use one. If your child doesn’t have a plan, book an appointment with the GP or asthma nurse, who will help you write one as part of an asthma review.

“It’s also important to share the action plan with your child’s school. That way if the worst happens and your child has an asthma attack at school, staff will know exactly what to do. Be sure to give the school a spare asthma reliever inhaler, (usually blue), in case your child forgets to take theirs in. Do also talk to your child about who they need to tell at school if they’re feeling unwell with their asthma.”

Back to school statistics (Age 5-19)*

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Aug

Sep

Aug

Sept

Aug

Sep

Aug

Sep

Aug

Sep

England

788

2240

557

1449

703

1836

583

2212

757

2125

Scotland

127

198

95

155

107

201

137

209

127

166

Wales

53

89

56

100

42

114

23

108

42

75

Totals

968

2527

708

1704

852

2151

743

2529

926

2366

For further back to school tips from asthma experts and to download a children’s asthma action plan visit: www.asthma.org.uk/back-to-school or call the Asthma UK Helpline on 0300 222 5800 to speak to an asthma nurse.

ENDS

For more information please contact the Asthma UK media team on mediaoffice@asthma.org.uk, 020 7786 4949 (during office hours) or 07951 721393 (outside of office hours).

*Data sources: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data (England), Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland and NHS Wales.

About Asthma UK

Asthma UK’s mission is to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma. We do this by funding world leading research, campaigning for improved care and supporting people to reduce their risk of a potentially life threatening asthma attack.Asthma UK is solely funded by public donationsThe Asthma UK Helpline is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 0300 222 5800.For more information about asthma please visit www.asthma.org.uk

Background information on asthma

In the UK, 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12).


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http://www.asthma.org.uk 13 Sep 2016 13:49:21 GMT Charities & non-profits Children & Teenagers Health Medical & Pharmaceutical
<![CDATA[ Asthma deaths in Scotland highest for more than a decade ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/asthma-deaths-in-scotland-highest-for-more-than-a-decade-58321934e1323c1a43f566dd4176e5cf/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/asthma-deaths-in-scotland-highest-for-more-than-a-decade-58321934e1323c1a43f566dd4176e5cf/ Wednesday 10 August, 2016

Asthma death rates in Scotland are at their highest for more than a decade, new figures released today (August 10) reveal. They also show women to be twice as likely to die from an asthma attack than men in Scotland.

The figures released by the National Records of Scotland reveal that a total of 122 people in Scotland died from an asthma attack last year, the highest number of deaths since 2002*, with 35 men and 87 women dying from asthma attacks.

In Scotland, 368,000 people (1 in 14) are currently receiving treatment for asthma. This includes 72,000 children and 296,000 adults.

According to Asthma UK’s own Annual Asthma Care Survey 2015**, seven out of 10 people in the UK with asthma aren’t receiving care that meets the most basic clinical standards proven to work, including written asthma action plans, annual asthma reviews and inhaler technique checks.

Kay Boycott, Chief Executive at Asthma UK, said: “These figures are alarming, showing the biggest increase in asthma deaths in Scotland in 14 years. However the National Review of Asthma Deaths (2014) showed two thirds of asthma deaths in the UK are preventable with better basic care, so it is critical the Scottish government takes rapid action to ensure effective care is in place to prevent more people dying unnecessarily from asthma attacks in the future.

“Every 10 seconds someone has a potentially life-threatening asthma attack. This is why it’s so vital that people with asthma have regular asthma reviews with their GP or asthma nurse and take their asthma medication as prescribed. Anyone with asthma in Scotland who doesn’t yet have an asthma action plan should download one now from the Asthma UK website. Only 35% of people with asthma have a written asthma action plan, despite the fact that not having one means you are four times more likely to end up in hospital with an asthma attack.”

Asthma UK has issued the following five tips for people with asthma in Scotland to help them reduce their risk of having an asthma attack:

Take your medicines regularly, as prescribed Follow a written asthma action plan this cuts your risk of ending up in hospital with asthma by four times Have regular asthma reviews with your GP or asthma nurse Check with your GP or asthma nurse that you're using your inhaler correctly Avoid the things that trigger your asthma where possible.

For further information visit: www.asthma.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/scotland or call the Asthma UK Helpline on 0300 222 5800 to speak to an expert asthma nurse.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Download an action plan from the Asthma UK website: www.asthma.org.uk/advice/manage-your-asthma/action-plan

For more information please contact the Asthma UK media team on mediaoffice@asthma.org.uk, 020 7786 4949 (during office hours) or 07951 721393 (outside of office hours).

* Asthma deaths in Scotland (both children and adults) since 2000:

Year

Sex

All ages

2000

All

131

2001

All

101

2002

All

131

2003

All

98

2004

All

94

2005

All

100

2006

All

82

2007

All

112

2008

All

103

2009

All

93

2010

All

91

2011

All

94

2012

All

89

2013

All

105

2014

All

72

2015

All

122

* www.asthma.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/publications/national-review-of-asthma-deaths

** www.asthma.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/publications/survey

About Asthma UK

Asthma UK’s mission is to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma. We do this by funding world leading research, campaigning for improved care and supporting people to reduce their risk of a potentially life threatening asthma attack.Asthma UK is solely funded by public donationsThe Asthma UK Helpline is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 0300 222 5800.For more information about asthma please visit www.asthma.org.uk

Background information on asthma

In the UK, 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12). The UK has one of the highest prevalence rates for asthma in Europe, according to the ERS Whitebook. Three people die every day because of asthma; based on mortality data from Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England & Wales, General Register Office for Scotland, and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (Northern Ireland). 1255 people died from asthma in 2013 – divided by 365, this works out as 3.4 people per day.Tragically, the National Review of Asthma Deaths found that two thirds of asthma deaths are preventable with good, basic care.7 out of 10 people with asthma do not receive care that meets the most basic clinical standards. The UK has some of the highest asthma death rates in Western Europe according to the Death rates (all ages) for OECD nations and the World Health Organisation


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http://www.asthma.org.uk 10 Aug 2016 19:29:22 GMT Charities & non-profits Health Medical & Pharmaceutical
<![CDATA[ Survey reveals hay fever asthma attack danger for millions of people with asthma ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/survey-reveals-hay-fever-asthma-attack-danger-for-millions-of-people-with-asthma-f98f3af4c2a5d94c69c8ec6effee24ff/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/survey-reveals-hay-fever-asthma-attack-danger-for-millions-of-people-with-asthma-f98f3af4c2a5d94c69c8ec6effee24ff/ Tuesday 28 June, 2016

New survey data released today by Asthma UK reveals that half of people with asthma¹ have had a life threatening asthma attack because of their hay fever.

Over 80% of people with asthma in the UK also have hay fever. As this allergy to pollen is a common asthma trigger, the aim of the Asthma UK survey was to find out more about how people cope during pollen season.

The charity polled over 1,340 people with asthma from across the UK and 61% think they are at higher risk of an asthma attack as a result of their hay fever. Worryingly 43% don’t know which type of pollen affects them and 52% of respondents don’t know when pollen season was, so the chance of treating the pollen allergy at the right time, to cut their risk of a hay fever asthma attack is small. Pollens from trees, grass and weeds can cause symptoms as early as January and as late as September but 52% of respondents didn’t know this.

Colette Harris, Head of Health Advice at Asthma UK, said: “Our survey results are concerning as they show people with asthma are aware that hay fever is a common trigger for asthma symptoms and asthma attacks – which kill three people every day in the UK. But they don’t realise that some really simple steps taken at the right time of year can cut that risk dramatically.

“It is vital that every adult and child with asthma who also has hay fever takes their asthma medicines and hay fever medicines every day as prescribed to stay safe and well. To find out which kind of pollen affects you and when, keep a diary for your GP or asthma nurse. Then you can use the non-drowsy antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays at the right time, to cut your risk of a hay fever asthma attack.

People with asthma should also check pollen forecasts in their local area, so that on high pollen days they carry their reliever inhaler with them at all times and know what to do if their symptoms get worse.

“Parents should share a copy or picture of their child’s written asthma action plan, so anyone looking after them knows what to do if hay fever triggers worsening symptoms or an asthma attack.”

The results also showed the huge knock on effect that not managing hay fever at the right time has on people with asthma’s well-being and day to day lives. Over 70% of people polled said that they are exhausted, lacking in energy, and unable to enjoy family time at sports days and picnics because miserable hay fever symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and itchy eyes and throat stop them sleeping. Their social lives also suffer as a result, with 57% turning down invitations to events like weddings and parties.

The survey revealed some of the lengths people will go to find relief from hay fever which included going snowboarding, astroturfing their garden to putting tampons up their nose to prevent it from running.

The most common symptoms of hay fever are blocked nose, watery, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and watery eyes. Other symptoms can include headaches, reduced sense of smell, itchy eyes, earache, tiredness and disrupted sleep.

The Met Office has reported that unpredictable weather has seen pollen levels remain around the ‘very high’ status which will continue for the rest of the summer.

For further information on hay fever and asthma visit: www.asthma.org.uk/pollen or call the Asthma UK Helpline on 0300 222 5800 to speak to an expert asthma nurse.

ENDS

For more information please contact the Asthma UK media team on mediaoffice@asthma.org.uk, 020 7786 4949 (during office hours) or 07951 721393 (outside of office hours).

¹ - 1,340 people were surveyed by Asthma UK via Survey Monkey from 14 March – 27 June 2016.

To find out more about asthma actions plans visit: www.asthma.org.uk/advice/manage-your-asthma/action-plan or call the Asthma UK Helpline on 0300 222 5800.

About Asthma UK

Asthma UK’s mission is to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma. We do this by funding world leading research, campaigning for improved care and supporting people to reduce their risk of a potentially life threatening asthma attack.Asthma UK is solely funded by public donationsThe Asthma UK Helpline is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 0300 222 5800.For more information about asthma please visit www.asthma.org.uk

You're having an asthma attack if any of the following happens:

Your reliever isn't helping or lasting over four hours

Your symptoms are getting worse (cough, breathlessness, wheeze or tight chest)

You're too breathless or it's difficult to speak, eat or sleep

Your breathing is getting faster and it feels like you can't get your breath in properly

Don't be afraid of causing a fuss, even at night.

What to do in an asthma attack

Take one to two puffs of your reliever inhaler (usually blue), immediately.Sit down and try to take slow, steady breaths.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.If you do not feel better after taking your inhaler as above, or if you are worried at any time, call 999.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.

Background information on asthma

In the UK, 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12). The UK has one of the highest prevalence rates for asthma in Europe, according to the ERS Whitebook. Three people die every day because of asthma; based on mortality data from Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England & Wales, General Register Office for Scotland, and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (Northern Ireland). 1255 people died from asthma in 2013 – divided by 365, this works out as 3.4 people per day.Tragically, the National Review of Asthma Deaths found that two thirds of asthma deaths are preventable with good, basic care.7 out of 10 people with asthma do not receive care that meets the most basic clinical standards. The UK has some of the highest asthma death rates in Western Europe according to the Death rates (all ages) for OECD nations and the World Health Organisation


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http://www.asthma.org.uk 28 Jun 2016 12:49:28 GMT Charities & non-profits Health
<![CDATA[ Majority are clueless about asthma attacks ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/majority-are-clueless-about-asthma-attacks-530bee3e6039cc89ad1cece614a11ebc/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/majority-are-clueless-about-asthma-attacks-530bee3e6039cc89ad1cece614a11ebc/ Tuesday 3 May, 2016

New data released today by the charity Asthma UK highlights that almost three quarters of people (73%) would not know what to do if someone were to have a potentially life threatening asthma attack.

Someone in the UK has an asthma attack every 10 seconds, yet many people wouldn’t know how to help someone if they were struggling to breathe. The charity is particularly concerned that one in every 11 people (9% of respondents) don’t think that asthma attacks can kill. Three children in every classroom have asthma, making it the most common long term condition in childhood, so Asthma UK urges parents to understand how serious asthma can be and what to do to help a child having an asthma attack.

Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Policy at Asthma UK, says: “These results demonstrate that asthma as a condition is not being taken seriously enough. The Royal College of Physicians’ themselves highlighted that ‘complacency in asthma care must end’ in the National Review of Asthma Deaths, 2014. What people don’t realise is that much like a heart attack, an asthma attack is a medical emergency. Asthma attacks can and do kill. It’s essential that people know how to manage their asthma to avoid attacks, we mustn’t be complacent. Tragically two thirds of asthma deaths are preventable with good basic care.”

Dr Walker adds: “One of saddest things I’ve heard was from a mother whose son died following an asthma attack who told me ‘I never knew that asthma could kill. I just wish someone had told me.’That’s why it is so important that people with asthma manage their condition well and avoid having an asthma attack in the first place. People who use a written asthma action plan are four times less likely to be hospitalised because of an asthma attack and you can download one from our website www.asthma.org.uk. Despite this only 35% of people with asthma have one. Everyone must take asthma seriously.”

ENDS

Asthma Attack Advice

The following advice applies to the vast majority of both adults and children who have an asthma attack3:

1) Sit up straight - don't lie down. Try to keep calm.

2) Take one puff of your reliever inhaler (usually blue) every 30-60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs.

3) If you feel worse at any point while you're using your inhaler or you don't feel better after 10 puffs or you're worried at any time, call 999 for an ambulance.

4) If the ambulance is taking longer than 15 minutes you can repeat step two (above).

Footnotes

1) 3,000 people were surveyed by Gorkana Surveys between Monday 18 and Wednesday 20 April 2016.

2) When asked ‘do you know what to do if someone were to have an asthma attack?’ 34% answered ‘no’ and 27% answered ‘not sure’. Of the people who said ‘yes’ just over half (52%) selected the wrong actions when presented with a list of options. Of the people who said ‘not sure’ 38% selected the correct actions. This works out as 73% of respondents in total.

3) This asthma attack information is not designed for people on a SMART or MART regime. Those on a SMART or MART regime should speak to their GP or asthma nurse to get their personalised set of asthma attack instructions.

About Asthma UK

Asthma UK’s mission is to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma. We do this by funding world leading research, campaigning for improved care and supporting people to reduce their risk of a potentially life threatening asthma attack. Asthma UK is solely funded by public donations. The Asthma UK Helpline is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 0300 222 5800. For more information about asthma please visit www.asthma.org.uk.


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http://www.asthma.org.uk 03 May 2016 17:49:44 GMT Charities & non-profits Health
<![CDATA[ Asthma Uk calls on Scottish scientists to lead the way in transforming the lives of over 300m people with asthma ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/asthma-uk-calls-on-scottish-scientists-to-lead-the-way-in-transforming-the-lives-of-over-300m-people-with-asthma-40140139c1ff062c31bb3be8bdff1c2f/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/asthma-uk-calls-on-scottish-scientists-to-lead-the-way-in-transforming-the-lives-of-over-300m-people-with-asthma-40140139c1ff062c31bb3be8bdff1c2f/ Thursday 10 March, 2016

Asthma UK is calling on Scotland to lead the way in finding much-needed breakthroughs for people with asthma. With its world class reputation of research1 and strong infrastructure for life sciences innovation, Scotland can develop the tools and treatments that will transform the lives of over 300 million people across the world and help drive a global market expected to reach £14 billion by 20172.

Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Policy at Asthma UK, said: “There is nothing as frightening as not being able to breathe yet that is the reality for thousands of people in Scotland with asthma. We now have a once in a generation opportunity to attract investment into asthma research, helping millions of people across the UK as well as driving Scotland's productivity, economy and long term growth.”

To launch the campaign, a Cross Party Group meeting was held at the Scottish Parliament last night3, attended by leading academics, politicians and policy makers from across Scotland, including Professor Andrew Morris, Chief Scientist at the Scottish Government. There are 368,000 people with asthma in Scotland, including 72,000 children. As many as 15,000 people in Scotland have asthma so severe current treatments simply do not work.

Asthma UK is calling for research into:

Improved diagnostics - Diagnosing asthma is complex and there are no simple, reliable diagnostic tests for the condition, delaying access to treatments. Better treatments – 15,000 people in Scotland have asthma that is so severe that current treatments do not work. We need to change this. Tech enabled self-management – technology offers innovative solutions to help people manage their life-long condition more effectively and prevent life-threatening asthma attacks.

Dr Walker adds: “This is a hugely exciting time for asthma research and Scotland is ideally placed to deliver the latest breakthroughs. Through the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research - co-ordinated and led by Edinburgh University - we look forward to working with Scotland's world-leading universities, the Scottish Government, life science businesses and academics to improve the outlook for people with asthma in Scotland, throughout the UK, and across the world.”

ENDS

For more information please contact the Asthma UK media team on mediaoffice@asthma.org.uk, 020 7786 4949 (during office hours) or 07951 721393 (outside of office hours).

The Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research was launched in May 2014 and is a collaboration between leading asthma researchers from 13 universities across the UK. It is coordinated and led by the University of Edinburgh.

1)The global market for asthma drugs is projected to reach £14 billion in 2017. BCC Research (2012) available at http://www.bccresearch.com/pressroom/phm/global-market-asthma-copd-prescription-drugs-reach-$47.1-billion-2017 2)Images from launch event available upon request.

About Asthma UK

Asthma UK's mission is to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma. We do this by funding world leading research, campaigning for improved care and supporting people to reduce their risk of a potentially life threatening asthma attack. Asthma UK is solely funded by public donations The Asthma UK Helpline is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 0300 222 5800For more information about asthma please visit www.asthma.org.uk




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http://www.asthma.org.uk 10 Mar 2016 09:29:46 GMT Charities & non-profits Health Medical & Pharmaceutical
<![CDATA[ Asthma UK issues winter death asthma attack alert ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/asthma-uk-issues-winter-death-asthma-attack-alert-c151ef5e90811c19291bb5201792f59a/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/asthma-uk-issues-winter-death-asthma-attack-alert-c151ef5e90811c19291bb5201792f59a/ Tuesday 26 January, 2016

Asthma UK is urging people with asthma to be vigilant in winter as data shows the number of people who die because of an asthma attack peaks in January and remains high in February and March.

Data from the Office for National Statistics highlights that asthma is the cause of proportionately more excess winter deaths than other conditions and respiratory diseases were the underlying cause of death in more than a third of all excess winter deaths in 2014/15.

It's thought that cold weather and viruses like cold and flu may be partly to blame; 90% of people with asthma report that cold and flu viruses make their asthma worse and 75% of people find that cold weather triggers an asthma attack. Given the recent bitterly cold weather and an increase in reported cases of flu, Asthma UK wants to ensure that everyone with asthma takes their medicines as prescribed, uses a written asthma action plan and knows what to do if their symptoms start to deteriorate.

Kay Boycott, Chief Executive of Asthma UK, says: “This data shows that as the cold weather hits it is absolutely vital that the 1 in 11 people with asthma in the UK are not complacent about how serious asthma is. The National Review of Asthma Deaths highlighted almost half of those who died from an asthma attack were being treated for mild or moderate asthma, so it's essential that everyone with asthma takes extra care to manage their condition during the winter months. Taking your preventative medicine will help build your resilience and if you use an action plan you are four times less likely to be hospitalised because of your asthma – download one from our website today. ”

The UK has one of the highest asthma death rates in Western Europe three people die because of asthma attacks every day in the UK.

ENDS

For more information please contact the Asthma UK media team on mediaoffice@asthma.org.uk, 020 7786 4949 (during office hours) or 07951 721393 (outside of office hours).

Notes to editors

More people die in the winter than in the summer, excess winter deaths refers to the number of extra (or excess) deaths that occurred in the winter period. Winter is defined as being between the months of December to March, and is compared to the number of deaths that occurred in the preceding August to November, and the following April to July. Respiratory disease accounts for more deaths in those over 75 than circulatory disease and dementia. There were 439,000 excess winter deaths in 2014/15, 13,100 of these were caused by respiratory disease in the over 75s, compared to 8,000 due to circulatory disease and 8,700 due to dementia.The UK has some of the highest asthma death rates in Western Europe according to the Death rates (all ages) for OECD nations and the World Health Organisation

About Asthma UK

Asthma UK's mission is to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma. We do this by funding world leading research, campaigning for improved care and supporting people to reduce their risk of a potentially life threatening asthma attack. Asthma UK is solely funded by public donations The Asthma UK Helpline is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 0300 222 5800. For more information about asthma please visit www.asthma.org.uk

Background information on asthma

In the UK, 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12).

The UK has one of the highest prevalence rates for asthma in Europe, according to the ERS Whitebook.

The UK has some of the highest asthma death rates in Western Europe according to the Death rates (all ages) for OECD nations and the World Health Organisation

Three people die every day because of asthma; based on mortality data from Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England & Wales, General Register Office for Scotland, and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (Northern Ireland). 1255 people died from asthma in 2013 – divided by 365, this works out as 3.4 people per day.

Tragically, the National Review of Asthma Deaths found that two thirds of asthma deaths are preventable with good, basic care. 7 out of 10 people with asthma do not receive care that meets the most basic clinical standards.


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http://www.asthma.org.uk 26 Jan 2016 09:59:23 GMT Charities & non-profits Health Medical & Pharmaceutical
<![CDATA[ Christmas Day asthma attack warning ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/christmas-day-asthma-attack-warning-c97265df7ce038589f5c19d93df6a2ed/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/christmas-day-asthma-attack-warning-c97265df7ce038589f5c19d93df6a2ed/ Monday 21 December, 2015

Asthma UK warns of a Christmas hospitalisation peak as the latest data from Public Health England1 shows the number of people with asthma seeking GP appointments and calling NHS 111 are already above expected2 levels for this time of year.

Research from Asthma UK3 carried out in recent weeks amongst people with asthma, and parents of children with asthma, that found one in eight (13%) will usually have to attend A&E because of worsening asthma symptoms at least once during the winter and that almost half (47%) have to see their (or their child's) GP or asthma nurse more often in the winter months. A&E asthma admissions have historically peaked at the end of December4 so these latest figures indicate that we could see A&E admissions increasing in the next week, right at the start of the Christmas period. Some asthma attacks can be prevented if people with asthma are able to get their symptoms under control.

Kay Boycott, Chief Executive of Asthma UK said: “This Christmas Day, someone will be having a potentially life threatening asthma attack every 10 seconds and these latest figures suggest this number could be higher. No-one wants to wake up in hospital on any day, let alone Christmas day. There is nothing as terrifying as watching a child or a loved one struggle to breathe so it's vital that people with asthma know how to spot the signs of an attack and what to do if their symptoms get worse. Following Asthma UK's five top tips might help prevent some of the predicted 30 asthma attacks during the Queen's speech alone.”

Dr David Jackson, Lead asthma physician, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust and senior researcher at the MRC & Asthma UK Centre, Imperial College London, adds: “At Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust there has been a notable rise in the number of patients with asthma coming to A&E with worsening symptoms; many of the more severe patients needing to be admitted for long stays. The majority of patients appear to become unwell following the onset of common cold and flu-like symptoms because their defence against respiratory viral infections may be impaired. Fortunately researchers have recently identified a number of exciting new therapies that should be available in the next few years aimed at reducing the impact of viral infections on people with asthma. Until then, patients should take their regular preventer medication every day without fail to reduce the likelihood of a severe asthma attack developing if they are unfortunate enough to catch a virus.”

With just over a week left until Christmas Day, make sure you follow Asthma UK's five top tips:

1.Take your medicines as prescribed – especially your preventer inhalers. These reduce the inflammation in your lungs so that you are less likely to react to triggers such as cold weather and cold and flu viruses. 2.Check your inhalers now to make sure that you have enough medicine to last you over Christmas and New Year. If you don't then request a new prescription now and collect it as soon as you can so that you are prepared. 3.Take a note of opening and closing times of your local GP and pharmacy and keep them with you, for example on your phone. 4.Know the warning signs of an attack. Make an appointment to see your GP or asthma nurse as soon as you can if you experience any of these symptoms: needing to use more of your reliever inhaler, waking in the night coughing or wheezing, feeling like you can't keep up with your normal activities, (children may complain that they have a tummy ache). 5.Don't be afraid to call for help; if you are having an attack and your reliever inhaler is not helping, you should call 999.

More information is available online at www.asthma.org.uk or via the Asthma UK Helpline on 0300 222 5800. Lines are open Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm (lines closed 24 December – 4 January).

ENDS

For more information please contact the Asthma UK media team on mediaoffice@asthma.org.uk, 020 7786 4949 (during office hours) or 07951 721393 (outside of office hours).

Notes to editors

1) https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/syndromic-surveillance-systems-and-analyses

2) Data from a number of previous years (usually a period of 5-7 years) is averaged in order to produce a figure of the levels that should be expected to give a baseline.

3) Asthma UK Winter Wellness survey conducted online via Survey Monkey between 24 November and 8 December 2015, 1679 respondents.

4) The five year average high rate of admissions of 17.5 cases per 100,000 people usually occurs in the last week of December.

Top asthma triggers at Christmas

Asthma UK posted an online Survey Monkey about Christmas asthma triggers. 1,600 people completed the survey in October and November 2015.

The Top Five Festive asthma triggers that make people's asthma worse are: Cold/damp weather (78.32%), Colds/flu (72.85%), Cigarette smoke (58.55%), Scented candles (45.07%), Dusty decorations (43.80%) Almost one third of respondents told us they had to change festive plans (32.29%) because of their/their child's asthma. We have a case study of a 23-year-old man who had an asthma attack two years ago, when his parents took their Christmas decorations down from the loft. The combination of dust from the decorations coupled with the scented candles they lit triggered an asthma attack. He was taken to hospital by ambulance and was in intensive care for a week and a half, but released just before Christmas Day. Let us know if you would like us to arrange an interview.

About Asthma UK

Asthma UK's mission is to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma. We do this by funding world leading research, campaigning for improved care and supporting people to reduce their risk of a potentially life threatening asthma attack. Asthma UK is solely funded by public donations The Asthma UK Helpline is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 0300 222 5800. For more information about asthma please visit www.asthma.org.uk

Background information on asthma

In the UK, 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12).

The UK has one of the highest prevalence rates for asthma in Europe, according to the ERS Whitebook.

The UK has some of the highest asthma death rates in Western Europe according to the Death rates (all ages) for OECD nations and the World Health Organisation

Three people die every day because of asthma; based on mortality data from Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England & Wales, General Register Office for Scotland, and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (Northern Ireland). 1255 people died from asthma in 2013 – divided by 365, this works out as 3.4 people per day.

Tragically, the National Review of Asthma Deaths found that two thirds of asthma deaths are preventable with good, basic care. 7 out of 10 people with asthma do not receive care that meets the most basic clinical standards.


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https://www.twitter.com/asthmauk/ Pressat larmitt@asthma.org.uk
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]]>
http://www.asthma.org.uk 21 Dec 2015 18:10:50 GMT Charities & non-profits Health
<![CDATA[ Join BBC Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis at Asthma UK’s Christmas Carol Service ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/join-bbc-newsnight-presenter-emily-maitlis-at-asthma-uks-christmas-carol-service-386b6341f649259095af3f7a2bb36634/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/join-bbc-newsnight-presenter-emily-maitlis-at-asthma-uks-christmas-carol-service-386b6341f649259095af3f7a2bb36634/ Tuesday 24 November, 2015

Asthma UK is dusting off its Christmas decorations and preparing to welcome guests to its annual Christmas Carol Service. The event will take place at St Luke's Church in Sydney Street, London SW3 6NH on Tuesday 1 December at 7pm.

The charity is delighted to announce that BBC Newsnight presenter, Emily Maitlis, has been added to the list of celebrity guests who will be giving a reading during the service.

Emily is one of the most recognised faces on television news. She has interviewed all four of the last UK prime ministers and key figures from the world of sport, entertainment and business including David Beckham, Hugh Grant and George Soros to name a few.

Emily will join writer and broadcaster, Dame Jenni Murray, who will show her support for Asthma UK by reciting her favourite Christmas reading which is The Nativity Play by Joyce Grenfell. The service will also feature music from Irish classical soprano, Margaret Keys, and the Boys' Choir of Westminster Under School.

The event aims to raise funds to support people living with asthma in the UK, and fund world-leading research into better treatments and ultimately a cure for the condition. Every ten seconds someone in the UK has a potentially life-threatening asthma attack and three people die from an attack every day.

Kay Boycott, Chief Executive at Asthma UK, said: “We would be delighted to welcome you and your friends and family to our popular carol service. By buying a ticket to the event, you'll be helping Asthma UK to stop asthma attacks by funding new research into treatments and ultimately find a cure for asthma."

Mulled wine and mince pies will be served at the end of the service, which is being held for the eleventh year in a row.

Tickets are selling fast and are available now priced at £20 for adults, £10 for children or £50 for a family ticket (two adults, two children). For further information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.asthma.org.uk/christmas-carol-service or email: specialevents@asthma.org.uk

Ends

Notes to editors

For further information contact: Lee Armitt, Media Officer at Asthma UK on 020 7786 4982 or email: larmitt@asthma.org.uk

Picture: BBC Newsnight presenter, Emily Maitlis.

About Asthma UK

Asthma UK's mission is to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma. We do this by funding world leading research, campaigning for improved care and supporting people to reduce their risk of a potentially life threatening asthma attack. Asthma UK is solely funded by public donations The Asthma UK Helpline is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 0300 222 5800. For more information about asthma please visit www.asthma.org.uk

Background information on asthma

In the UK, 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12).

The UK has one of the highest prevalence rates for asthma in Europe, according to the ERS Whitebook.

The UK has some of the highest asthma death rates in Western Europe according to the Death rates (all ages) for OECD nations and the World Health Organisation

Three people die every day because of asthma; based on mortality data from Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England & Wales, General Register Office for Scotland, and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (Northern Ireland). 1255 people died from asthma in 2013 – divided by 365, this works out as 3.4 people per day.

Tragically, the National Review of Asthma Deaths found that two thirds of asthma deaths are preventable with good, basic care.

8 out of 10 people with asthma do not receive care that meets the most basic clinical standards.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://www.twitter.com/asthmauk/ Pressat larmitt@asthma.org.uk
http://www.asthma.org.uk
]]>
http://www.asthma.org.uk 24 Nov 2015 15:04:58 GMT Charities & non-profits Christmas Health
<![CDATA[ Join Dame Jenni Murray at Asthma UK's Christmas Carol Service ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/join-dame-jenni-murray-at-asthma-uks-christmas-carol-service-2a6a91e92196b7258bf601c06906c9ac/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/join-dame-jenni-murray-at-asthma-uks-christmas-carol-service-2a6a91e92196b7258bf601c06906c9ac/ Thursday 29 October, 2015

29 October 2015

Join Dame Jenni Murray at Asthma UK's Christmas Carol Service

Asthma UK is dusting off its Christmas decorations and preparing to welcome guests to its annual Christmas Carol Service. The event will take place at St Luke's Church in Sydney Street, London SW3 6NH on Tuesday 1 December at 7pm.

Writer and broadcaster, Dame Jenni Murray, will show her support for Asthma UK by reciting her favourite Christmas reading. The service will also feature music from Irish classical soprano, Margaret Keys, and the Boys' Choir of Westminster Under School.

The event aims to raise funds to support people living with asthma in the UK, and fund world-leading research into better treatments and ultimately a cure for the condition. Every ten seconds someone in the UK has a potentially life-threatening asthma attack and three people die from an attack every day.

Kay Boycott, Chief Executive at Asthma UK, said: “We would be delighted to welcome you and your friends and family to our popular carol service. By buying a ticket to the event, you'll be helping Asthma UK to stop asthma attacks by funding new research into treatments and ultimately find a cure for asthma.”

Mulled wine and mince pies will be served at the end of the service, which is being held for the eleventh year in a row.

Tickets are available now priced at £20 for adults, £10 for children or £50 for a family ticket (two adults, two children). For further information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.asthma.org.uk/christmas-carol-service or email: specialevents@asthma.org.uk

Ends

Notes to editors

For further information contact: Lee Armitt, Media Officer at Asthma UK on 020 7786 4982 or email: larmitt@asthma.org.uk

Picture: Writer and broadcaster, Dame Jenni Murray. Please credit the picture to photographer, Charlie Forgham-Bailey.

About Asthma UK

Asthma UK's mission is to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma. We do this by funding world leading research, campaigning for improved care and supporting people to reduce their risk of a potentially life threatening asthma attack. Asthma UK is solely funded by public donations The Asthma UK Helpline is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 0300 222 5800. For more information about asthma please visit www.asthma.org.uk

Background information on asthma

In the UK, 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12).

The UK has one of the highest prevalence rates for asthma in Europe, according to the ERS Whitebook.

The UK has some of the highest asthma death rates in Western Europe according to the Death rates (all ages) for OECD nations and the World Health Organisation

Three people die every day because of asthma; based on mortality data from Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England & Wales, General Register Office for Scotland, and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (Northern Ireland). 1255 people died from asthma in 2013 – divided by 365, this works out as 3.4 people per day.

Tragically, the National Review of Asthma Deaths found that two thirds of asthma deaths are preventable with good, basic care.

8 out of 10 people with asthma do not receive care that meets the most basic clinical standards.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://www.twitter.com/asthmauk/ Pressat larmitt@asthma.org.uk
http://www.asthma.org.uk
]]>
http://www.asthma.org.uk 29 Oct 2015 15:58:35 GMT Charities & non-profits Christmas Entertainment & Arts
<![CDATA[ Allergy pioneer Dr Bill Frankland awarded with MBE in Queen’s Birthday honours lists ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/allergy-pioneer-dr-bill-frankland-awarded-with-mbe-in-queens-birthday-honours-lists-e18832e4a9bf35f4eb6e7d2e6791ee5c/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/allergy-pioneer-dr-bill-frankland-awarded-with-mbe-in-queens-birthday-honours-lists-e18832e4a9bf35f4eb6e7d2e6791ee5c/ Tuesday 27 October, 2015

Asthma UK is delighted to announce that Dr Bill Frankland, the vice-president of the charity since 1992, has been recognised in the Queen's Birthday honours lists with an MBE for his contributions to allergy research. Dr Frankland has been invited to visit Buckingham Palace to meet Her Majesty The Queen or a member of the Royal Family, on Tuesday 27 October 2015.

The 103-year-old is the UK's leading allergy specialist who introduced the pollen count, which continues to be seen on weather forecasts every day throughout the summer months. And despite his age, he still continues to publish papers, contribute to journals and work with Asthma UK to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma.

Nobel Prize winner, Alexander Fleming, was so highly impressed by Dr Frankland's work he commissioned him to contribute a new chapter on penicillin sensitivity for the 2nd edition of his penicillin 'bible'* for the medical profession.

Kay Boycott, Chief Executive at Asthma UK, said: “Everybody at Asthma UK is thrilled that our Vice President, Dr Bill Frankland has been recognised in the Queen's Birthday honours lists. His pioneering and groundbreaking work in allergy research and introducing the pollen count has helped many people living with asthma enormously. He is an inspiration to many former patients and others who have benefited from his work, and I am delighted that he has been honoured in this way."

In 1946 at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, Dr Frankland began work as a dermatologist, spending two days a week in the allergy clinic. Fascinated by this little known area of medicine, he decided to devote his career to allergy research.

He retired from St Mary's Hospital at the age of 65, but continued to work at Guy's Hospital for a further 20 years.

It is only relatively recently that he made the decision to talk about his time as a Far East Prisoner of War and since then has been sought-after by TV and radio. Earlier this year he took part in a BBC R4 episode of The Reunion with Sue MacGregor and, following a guest appearance with Kirsty Young on Desert Island Discs, he joined her on TV during the recent commemorations to mark the 70th anniversary of VJ Day.

Ends

Notes to editors

For further information contact: Lee Armitt, Media Officer at Asthma UK on 020 7786 4982 or email: larmitt@asthma.org.uk

*Penicillin: its practical application, 2nd edition, A Fleming, pub. London 1950, Butterworth & Co.

Picture – Dr Bill Frankland celebrates his MBE with a glass of champagne.

Extra information on Dr Bill Frankland

He qualified in 1938 after studying medicine at The Queen's College, University of Oxford and St Mary's Hospital Medical School and joined the Army Medical Corps as a civil medical practitioner (CMP) on a salary of £1 a day when war broke out in 1939.

At an Army Hospital on Salisbury plain where, during his first job, he single-handedly managed a meningitis outbreak losing only a single patient out of 100 cases. Other epidemics followed, including one of mumps when 234 Australian troops stationed in the UK who had the rare complication of encephalitis. This Dr Frankland wrote as one of his first pieces of published work.

In 1942, Dr Frankland was given two days training in tropical medicine before being posted to Singapore, arriving seven days before the attack on Pearl Harbour. After the Fall of Singapore he spent the rest of the war as a medical officer treating his fellow prisoners of war in the Japanese forced labour camps and sharing the same horrific privations.

Dr Bill Frankland was one of the members of the Medical Advisory Committee of the Asthma Research Council which reformed at the end of 1950. In 1963 he was appointed as the Honorary Secretary.

In 1977, the Asthma Research Council set up a development committee to investigate setting up an organisation for people with asthma. Dr Frankland was on the development committee. In 1986, he was made a Trustee of the Asthma Research Council. In 1980, Dr Frankland was one of the members of the newly formed Executive Committee of the 'Asthma Society & Friends'.

About Asthma UK

Asthma UK's mission is to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma. We do this by funding world leading research, campaigning for improved care and supporting people to reduce their risk of a potentially life threatening asthma attack. Asthma UK is solely funded by public donations The Asthma UK Helpline is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 0300 222 5800. For more information about asthma please visit www.asthma.org.uk

Background information on asthma

In the UK, 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12).

The UK has one of the highest prevalence rates for asthma in Europe, according to the ERS Whitebook.

The UK has some of the highest asthma death rates in Western Europe according to the Death rates (all ages) for OECD nations and the World Health Organisation

Three people die every day because of asthma; based on mortality data from Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England & Wales, General Register Office for Scotland, and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (Northern Ireland). 1255 people died from asthma in 2013 – divided by 365, this works out as 3.4 people per day.

Tragically, the National Review of Asthma Deaths found that two thirds of asthma deaths are preventable with good, basic care.

8 out of 10 people with asthma do not receive care that meets the most basic clinical standards.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://www.twitter.com/asthmauk/ Pressat larmitt@asthma.org.uk
http://www.asthma.org.uk
]]>
http://www.asthma.org.uk 27 Oct 2015 13:10:39 GMT Charities & non-profits