The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Children, Young People and Older People – Janet Finch Saunders MS – has today (5 May) marked World Asthma Day by urging sufferers to keep and use a written asthma action plan.
These documents typically mean that people are better equipped to manage their symptoms and so less likely to be admitted to hospital for their asthma. The Member for Aberconwy has also urged individuals to have their inhaler technique checked regularly and receive their annual review.
It is thought that asthma is a condition that affects 1 in 10 people in Wales. In the UK, around 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma. According to statistics from the British Lung Foundation, that equates to one in every 12 adults and one in every 11 children.
Speaking on World Asthma Day, Janet said:
“Whilst the attention of Welsh Ministers is rightly focused on battling the quickly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, public officials must also remain committed to better treating those everyday conditions that continue to impede people’s way of life.
“Although Wales has improved its level of basic care for asthma over the last two years, the Welsh Government must follow the data to better target interventions and improve rates of post-admission follow-up care.
“If you are suffering from frequent asthma attacks, it could be an indicator that your medicine needs to be changed. You may even need more specialised care. If this is the case, please do not hesitate to speak to your GP.
“An asthma attack isn’t something you should deal with alone.
ENDS
Photo by Robina Weermeijer.
Notes for Editors:
- Document: Asthma UK’s Annual Asthma Survey
- Document: Asthma UK’s Asthma Action Plan
