UK asthma sufferers experience three times more attacks than previously suggested, charity warns

'It is shocking to think that every three seconds in the UK someone could be having an asthma attack'

With temperatures expected to drop the charity is warning asthma sufferers to carry their inhalers in case the cold triggers attacks (Shutterstock)

The number of potentially life-threatening asthma attacks suffered in the UK each year is more than three-times higher than previously thought, according to new data.

The Asthma UK charity surveyed more than 10,000 people with asthma and found each had an attack on average twice a year.

Extrapolated across 5.4 million people in the UK currently being treatment for asthma, experts calculated that this averaged one attack every three seconds.

Previous studies have suggested that the rate was closer to one every 10 seconds, the charity said.

“It is shocking to think that every three seconds in the UK someone could be having an asthma attack, a terrifying experience than can cause distress and in some cases prove fatal,” said Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead at Asthma UK.

Three people a day, on average die from asthma attacks and with temperatures expected to drop the charity is warning patients to carry their inhaler as cold air and coughs can be a trigger.

“Having an asthma attack can feel like being a fish out of water and it’s terrifying,” said Kelly May, 31, a hairdresser from London, who has had hundreds of asthma attacks since she was a year old.

Ms May said that too often people “think asthma isn’t serious” but she is always aware each one can land her in A&E – or prove fatal.

“In winter, I must be especially careful as the slightest cold can land me in hospital fighting for my life,” she added.

NHS data shows there were more than 77,000 hospital admissions for the condition last year.

In the wake of its new figures Asthma UK is warning people with the condition to think about whether their symptoms are under control, and if not to see their GP to prevent attacks.

If they are using their reliever inhaler (usually a blue colour) three or more times a week, or waking up at night because of their asthma, they should contact their GP.

They should also seek help if their symptoms, such as wheezing or a cough, are getting worse or are interfering with their usual activities.

Those with a preventer inhaler (usually coloured brown) should take it daily to help build up protection against asthma attacks.