Asthma attack

ALMOST two thirds of Oldham asthma sufferers could be causing themselves extra suffering by failing to control their symptoms properly.

A trial by the Co-operative Pharmacy highlighted the fact that more than 60 per cent of the 4,000 patients tested were either not taking their medicine correctly or they were using the wrong ones.

After the trial patients had been advised how to take their medicine correctly, almost three quarters showed an improvement in their breathing and wheezing.

The pharmacy chain will now introduce asthma control tests to local branches to help sufferers manage their symptoms.

The tests will help patients monitor their symptoms, assess their medication and develop personal action plans to help get their condition under control.

If asthma is not correctly controlled it can lead to frightening attacks and long-term damage to the airways.

Adrian Price, from the Co-operative Pharmacy, said, “The seriousness of uncontrolled asthma isn’t always reflected in the news.

“There are, in fact, around 74,000 emergency hospital admissions and 1,200 deaths due to the condition every year in the UK

“By having access to this service, patients can monitor and control their asthma and get advice when they need it.”

The asthma control test and medicine check is available at Co-op stores in Ashton Road, Hathershaw, Barley Clough Medical Centre, Nuggett Street in Glodwick, Block Lane in Chadderton, and King Street in Delph.