Asthma adherence and the overuse of short-acting inhalers

In 2014, the National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) found that two-thirds of the deaths recorded as a result of asthma were potentially preventable.¹ The majority of people living with asthma are routinely managed in primary care, so it is important that health professionals in this setting keep up-to-date with best practice for this condition.

Evidence-based guidelines, including those produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)² and the British Thoracic Society/Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network,³ are available for the treatment of asthma. Alongside the pharmacological stepwise approach to asthma treatment that they outline, they also include information regarding the need to conduct regular reviews, and the provision of education and self-management information.^2,3