Asthma deaths in Scotland highest for over 30 years as charity calls for government action

Asthma deaths in Scotland have soared to their highest in over 30 years, figures have shown.

Figures from the National Records of Scotland reveal that in 2023, 140 people in Scotland died from asthma attacks, the highest figure since 1992.

Key risk factors for death from asthma include, overuse of reliever inhalers indicating poorly controlled asthma, underuse of preventer inhalers and recent emergency hospital visits receiving no follow-up.

Research by charity Asthma + Lung UK Scotland found that three in four people (76%) surveyed in Scotland as part of the charity’s annual survey are not receiving basic asthma care.

This should include annual asthma reviews, inhaler technique checks, and written asthma action plans.

Additionally, the same survey showed that less than 40% of respondents who had been hospitalised with asthma were getting the care they need within 48 hours advised once they’d been discharged. This is when they are most at risk of another serious attack.

Asthma + Lung UK Scotland is calling for the Scottish Government to make lung conditions a priority and ensure that everyone with asthma has access to basic care.

These figures have been released just months after the ten-year anniversary of the National Review of Asthma Deaths: Why asthma still kills (NRAD).

Published by the Royal College of Physicians in 2014, it found that two thirds of asthma deaths were preventable.

Figures show that since the release of the publication, the number of asthma deaths in Scotland has almost doubled (increased by 94%) and increasingly stretched healthcare professionals don’t have the resources to provide people with the support they need.

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said: “It is deeply worrying that asthma deaths in Scotland are at the highest rate since the early nineties. One person dying from asthma, is one person too many. People are simply not getting the care they need and deserve. As a result, Scotland continues to have one of the worst asthma death rates in Europe.

“We need a better awareness of the seriousness of asthma, and a focus on supporting people to manage their condition themselves and getting the support needed from fully trained health care professionals who have the time to carry out the required checks. It shouldn’t get to the point where someone is rushed to hospital fighting for breath.

“If you are using your reliever inhaler three times a week or more, it’s a sign of untreated inflammation of your airways and it’s really important to make an appointment with your GP, nurse or pharmacist to discuss treatment options. We also urge people to have their annual asthma check-up and if you are hospitalised, visit your GP as soon as possible once you are discharged.

“You can also call our helpline a call on 0300 222 5800 or get information from our website.”

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “My deepest sympathies go out to anyone who has suffered a bereavement due to asthma.

“We are ensuring everyone living with respiratory conditions receives the best possible care, treatment and support to enable them to live longer, healthier lives.

“We are also supporting more appropriate prescribing of medicines and the development of national pathways for asthma care.

“We encourage anyone who has any concerns about their asthma to contact their GP or respiratory clinical team. They will be best placed to provide specific advice and support based on their individual circumstances.”