Rising Asthma Cases in Children Prompt Calls for Improved Monitoring and Care
A new study from University Hospital Southampton is highlighting the urgent need for better monitoring of asthma in children, particularly concerning the overuse of reliever inhalers. The research focuses on a potential alert system for general practitioners (GPs) when a child is prescribed an excessive number of these inhalers, aiming to trigger prompt check-ups and preventative care. This comes as data reveals a significant rise in emergency care visits related to breathing issues, including asthma.
The Problem with Reliever Inhaler Overuse
Research indicates that children using six or more blue reliever inhalers annually are three to five times more likely to experience an asthma attack. Reliever inhalers address immediate symptoms but don’t tackle the underlying airway inflammation, potentially leading to more frequent and severe exacerbations. Over-reliance on these inhalers can mask the need for long-term asthma control strategies.
FeNO Testing: A Key to Personalized Asthma Care
Healthcare professionals are increasingly advocating for wider adoption of Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing, a non-invasive method for measuring airway inflammation through exhaled breath. The NObreath® FeNO device, developed by Bedfont® Scientific Limited, is one tool used for this purpose. Current guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the British Thoracic Society (BTS) and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) recommend FeNO testing for asthma management in adults.
By incorporating FeNO testing into regular asthma reviews, clinicians can assess medication adherence and adjust treatment plans accordingly, leading to better asthma control and potentially reducing emergency care visits. However, access to FeNO testing remains inconsistent across primary care settings in the UK.
University Hospital Southampton’s Respiratory Centre
The Respiratory Centre at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive care for a range of respiratory conditions, including difficult asthma. The centre focuses on reducing hospital admissions and improving the quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other long-term breathing difficulties. They operate closely with a pulmonary function laboratory for diagnostic testing and offer access to allergy and immunology services.
Calls for Increased Investment
Bedfont® Scientific Limited and Asthma + Lung UK are calling for greater investment in FeNO testing within primary care. They argue that increased funding would support earlier, more accurate diagnoses and reduce preventable harm to patients. Asthma + Lung UK’s research shows over 42,000 patients ended up in emergency care in 2023/24 after visiting five or more times within the last 12 months, a 22.9% rise compared to the previous year. An Asthma + Lung UK poll also revealed that 49% of patients were not offered follow-up appointments for their condition.
The Bigger Picture: Lung Health Prioritization
With asthma-related hospital visits on the rise, there’s a growing push to prioritize lung health in the upcoming 10-year health plan, preventing it from being overlooked. Improved access to FeNO testing is seen as a crucial step towards better asthma management and reduced hospitalizations.