One In Three Asthmatics At Risk Of Fatal Attack

Online, July 31, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Figures published recently by Asthma UK suggest that one in three asthmatics are at risk of suffering a fatal attack.

The findings are the result of an Asthma UK study, which looked at results from around 25,000 people in the UK. The study, which involved the completion of an online test, suggests that many are underestimating the risks associated with the condition.

The test included a number of questions to help asthmatics assess how serious their condition is. While 55% of respondents did not think that they had an increased risk of suffering a fatal attack, the results actually showed that 93% did have an increased or highly increased risk.

Over 75,000 people are admitted to hospital each year with a potentially fatal asthma attack and there are approximately 1,000 deaths per year.

One of the quickest ways of administering life saving medicine to asthmatics is through a nebulizer. Nebulizers are used by asthmatics and sufferers of other respiratory problems as a device to assist inhalation of medicine.

When activated, the nebulizer turns medicine into a mist. This mist is then inhaled by the patient, making it much easier to deliver. It is thus absorbed more quickly into the patient's bloodstream, through the lungs.

Nebulizers are most commonly used to give high doses of relief medicine in an emergency situation. The 'nebulizer' part of the device is the small plastic container, which carries the medicine. Attached to this is the compressor (usually electric), which is used to blow air or oxygen through the medicine to create a fine mist that is easy to inhale. And attached to the compressor is the mouthpiece, through which the mist is then inhaled by patient.

Asthma UK believes that with better management of asthma, up to 75% of hospital admissions can be avoided. In consultation with their doctor, chronic asthma sufferers may wish to consider keeping a nebulizer at home for immediate administration of medicine during a severe attack.

Healthcare4All supplies a range of healthcare and medical products including nebulizers and other asthma management equipment. For more information, please call (0113) 350 5432 or visit the Healthcare for All website.