Half a million fear death from asthma

More than half a million asthma sufferers in the UK live in constant fear that their next attack will kill them, a report revealed today.

Of the 2.6 million sufferers with severe symptoms, one in five are seriously concerned their next attack will kill them.

The report estimated 500,000 people are experiencing severe asthma symptoms because treatments currently available do not effectively manage their condition.

But a much larger number - 2.1 million - are suffering unnecessarily because they are simply not receiving the appropriate care.

The major impact on the life of asthma sufferers is highlighted in the report - Living on a Knife Edge - launched by charity Asthma UK to mark World Asthma Day.

Asthma UK said one person died every seven hours from asthma in the UK, but experts believe 90% of these deaths are preventable.

The charity has launched a new Asthma Attack Card to explain how to help someone suffering an asthma attack.

The simple guide includes tips such as making sure the sufferer uses their inhaler.