Don’t wait for winter to take your breath away - get an asthma review!

Health experts are advising people with asthma to book a review with their GP or asthma nurse before winter to see if they could benefit from an upgrade in care.

More than 24,600 children and young people and 192,500 adults, across the North East and North Cumbria, have an asthma diagnosis.

Cold air and winter infections can trigger asthma symptoms, making now a good time to check that treatment is working well and discuss whether moving from ‘blue to new’ could offer better protection.

The familiar blue reliever inhaler, used by millions of people for over five decades, provides quick relief by opening the airways but does not treat the inflammation, or swelling, that causes asthma symptoms.

For many people, a combination inhaler can do both – relieving symptoms and treating inflammation to help reduce the risk of asthma attacks.

Professor Ewan Maule, director of medicines, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "Don’t wait for winter to take your breath away -  an asthma review now can help you get ready for the colder months.

"The blue inhaler has been a familiar treatment for many people with asthma for more than 50 years, but quick relief is only part of the picture - we also need to treat the inflammation behind the symptoms.

"For many people, moving from ‘blue to new’ means getting both treatments in one inhaler, helping them breathe more easily and reducing the risk of serious flare-ups."

The advice is backed by the ICB’s #BlueToNew communications campaign, which urges people with asthma to contact their GP practice for a review.

The campaign has also been welcomed by Asthma + Lung UK and is to feature on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website as an example of putting asthma guidance into practice.

Claire Adams, ICB respiratory clinical lead, said an asthma review was an opportunity to check symptoms, inhaler technique and whether a different treatment could help.

"If you have used a blue inhaler for many years, changing it can feel like a big step," she said.

"But an asthma review starts with a conversation. It’s about finding the right treatment for you and making sure you feel confident using it.

"Winter can be tough on people with asthma. Getting your care right now can help you face the colder months with better control and greater confidence."

People currently using a blue reliever inhaler are being advised to contact their GP practice for an asthma review to see whether a combination inhaler would be suitable for them.

The review is also a chance to check how someone uses their inhaler and update their personalised asthma action plan, so they know what to do if symptoms get worse.

“The right inhaler, used in the right way, can make a real difference,” added Claire.

“Don’t put up with asthma stopping you doing the things you enjoy. Book a review, ask about your options and get your asthma winter ready.”

Jonathan Blades, head of policy and public affairs, Asthma and Lung UK (A+LUK), added: “Annual asthma reviews are a vital part of good asthma care.

"It’s fantastic to see the success of this approach to ensure people are getting the right asthma care.

"We’d love to see this kind of initiative rolled out across the country, helping to keep people with asthma safe and well, especially with the approach of winter when colds, flu and viruses increase the risk of becoming unwell.”

People should continue using their prescribed inhalers until their GP or asthma nurse advises them to change treatment.

To find out more about moving from ‘blue to new’, speak to your GP practice.

If you have a lung condition, Asthma + Lung UK’s free, personalised Winter Wellness Guide offers advice to help you stay well this winter.