Asthma deaths totalled 1,410 in the UK in 2016, latest statistics today revealed.
That included 1,1237 patient deaths in England and Wales, and 133 deaths in Scotland. Northern Ireland reported 40 deaths from asthma.
But two-thirds of all deaths from asthma attacks could have been prevented if they received better basic care, Asthma UK claimed.
Asthmatics must recieve a written action plan on how to manage their symptoms on a day-to-day basis, it added.
Fewer people died from the respiratory condition last year than in 2015 in the UK, it was confirmed.
It came after Northern Ireland and Statistics Research Agency today revealed the total number of deaths from asthma attacks in 2016.
“In the last six years, 7,761 people have died from asthma attacks in the UK,” said Asthma UK Chief Executive, Kay Boycott.
“While fewer people have died from an asthma attack this year compared to last, that is still three families every day who have lost a loved one. In many cases their deaths could have been prevented.
“Two thirds of people who die from asthma attacks could have survived if they had received better basic care,” Boycott said.
Asthma symptoms should be reviewed every year to ensure patients were on the right medication, and to check they were being taken properly, she added.
Patient consultations should also inform them of what to do if their symptoms get worse.
Signs of asthma include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, feeling tight-chested, and wheezing.
“Three years ago, in the National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) report, 19 recommendations were made which would help to reduce avoidable risk and deaths from asthma,” said Boycott.
“Only one recommendation has been implemented – that everyone with asthma has an annual review – and only 70 per cent of people receive this.
“This is completely unacceptable.”
In 2015, 1,468 people died from asthma in the UK; 58 more than in 2016.
A parent who lost her 20-year-old son to asthma has urged other parents to make sure they have a care plan in place for their asthmatic children.
Forty-two-year-old Donna Green’s son Tiernan died after an asthma attack in January.
“It is a comfort to learn that fewer people have died from asthma attacks this year than last,” said Green. “However, it is distressing to think that still too many people are dying from asthma and many are not getting the basic care that could prevent this.
“It breaks our hearts to think our precious son would still be alive if he had attended his check-up appointments and taken his preventer medicines correctly.
“I don’t want other families to go through the pain we have faced and that’s why I’m urging anyone with asthma, or parents of children with asthma, to speak to their GP to make sure they have a correct care plan in place. It could save lives.”