Asthma A&E visits rise 23% in the UK

The number of people visiting emergency departments for breathing problems like asthma has increased significantly. Recent data from NHS England shows there was a nearly 23 percent rise in the number of patients making five or more trips to A&E for these issues in the past year. Asthma + Lung UK analyzed the figures and found that over 42,000 visits to emergency rooms were made by individuals with severe breathing problems. Many of these patients, nearly half, had repeat visits, with 45 percent for asthma and 58 percent for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite this surge, a survey indicated that almost half of the patients did not receive follow-up appointments, and over half felt that easier access to their GPs could have prevented their visits to A&E. Dr. Sharada Gudur, a respiratory physician, warned that lung health in the UK is in serious trouble, especially in the north-west. New guidelines suggest that patients who go to emergency need follow-ups with asthma experts and annual treatment reviews. If followed, these guidelines could reduce A&E visits and asthma-related deaths, which have risen by 25 percent in the last decade. Sarah Sleet, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK, emphasized the need for better care and prevention. She encouraged people to advocate for lung health improvements. A government spokesperson stated their commitment to enhancing diagnostic services and reducing A&E visits through preventive measures, including efforts to tackle smoking. Leah Campbell, 27, shared her struggle with severe asthma, leading to multiple emergency visits. Her experiences made her feel panic and suffocation. Despite finally finding effective treatment, she expressed frustration over the prolonged journey to receive the care she needed, highlighting the challenges many face with asthma management.