- 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 amongst the highest prevalence rates for asthma in Europe, according to the European Community Health Survey
- Tragically, the National Review of Asthma Deaths found that two thirds of asthma deaths are preventable with good, basic care.
Asthma is a condition which can be hard to diagnose and without a single absolute test to diagnose, research has shown that under diagnosis and under treatment is a problem.
Becky Sherrington, Chair of ARNS, said “I support the NICE recommendations, although I appreciate that the tests aren’t widely available at the moment, so an investment in training and equipment will be needed in both primary and secondary care. I believe that this guidance supports better diagnosis and personalised asthma care.”
ARNS members are asked to send any comments they wish to make on NICE Guidance to [email protected] which may be included in the ARNS’ response by Monday, 2nd February 2015.