Asthma care needs to be improved as a matter of urgency in the United kingdom and probably elsewhere as well. As we near the end of 2025, with evidence of poor outcomes especially in children and young people, its time for a new years resolution for clinicians caring for people with asthma. In my final Asthmaspotlight podcast episode for 2025, I strongly suggest three actions that doctors can take to improve the lives of their patients with asthma or suspected asthma. By implementing these three logical actions, asthma attacks, hospitalisations and deaths as well as clinicians workload will be reduced in my view. These are, i) using simple evidence based treatment for asthma, ii) ensuring the term asthma or suspected asthma is recorded in the medical notes and iii) understanding that asthma is a chronic, not simply an acute disease requiring optimisation of the underlying chronic disease as part of the management of acute attacks which indicate that chronic management has failed.

For more information on the latest asthma guidance see www.ginasthma.org and for practical ideas for improving asthma care see www.bigcatdoc.com and for a talk on how to perform a post asthma attack review see https://bit.ly/3I48YLG

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New evidence for Anti-inflammatory Reliever Therapy (AIR) in children aged 5-15 with mild asthma. The New Zealand CARE study confirmed that inhaled Budesonide (an anti-inflammatory controller) in combination with formoterol (a fast acting, long-acting bronchodilator ) is more effective than salbutamol reliever in reducing asthma attacks. T the combination Anti-inflammatory reliever inhaler instead of a salbutamol reliever for relief of symptoms led to a reduction of asthma attacks in about half of those studied.There is now no rationale for prescribing salbutamol alone for relief of symptoms without an inhaled corticosteroid in children 5 years and over who have asthma. For more information see https://bit.ly/4nPGRzc and www.ginasthma.org

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contains my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includesbut is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast: This blog or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tragically after 60 years preventable asthma deaths continue in childhood in the UK. The shocking revelation in this interview with Sylvia Stoianova that one child dies every month in England due to asthma is highlighted in the recent report on child deaths due to asthma and anaphylaxis. (NCMD.info/asthma) Despite previous attendances for acute asthma (65%) and anaphylaxis (47%) in the year before they died, health care professionals failed to take appropriate action to prevent these deaths. After 60 years and more than 25 UK studies and reports on preventable deaths -It is time for asthma and anaphylaxis to be taken seriously in the UK and that means that health care professionals must take personal responsibility to ensure they are competent in managing these diseases.

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada has amoungst the lowest numbers of asthma deaths in the world. In this interview with Dr Alan Kaplan a Canadian General Practitioner with a special interest in asthma we explore differences in care provided in Canada with that in the United Kingdom. Key differences include that unlike in the UK asthma care in Canada is not delegated to individuals without training in asthma, and that asthma is regarded as a serious condition, where in the UK its mainly treated as if its an acute rather than a chronic underlying disease. Dr Kaplan is a member of the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) : https://www.ipcrg.org/ and the GINA Science Committee: www.ginasthma.org

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lets end asthma attacks and deaths in 2025! The recent NCMD report (bit.ly/49Pg1BD) found that on average one child dies from asthma every month in England. This is one of 25 reports, papers, confidential enquiries published in the UK in the last 60 years. That these potentially preventable deaths continue in the UK is unacceptable. In this podcast Ive made some suggested changes that clinicians could adopt as a new years resolution to put an end to preventable asthma attacks and deaths – most can be prevented and all it takes is a few modifications to the way attacks are managed. For more information see:

bit.ly/436r063, bit.ly/3vxpxJt, https://bit.ly/4gW6zyA

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The National Child mortality database (the NCMD) published a report on deaths in children due to asthma and anaphylaxis in England, between 2019 and 2023. Most of the children who died from asthma had past evidence of well known modifiable risk factors for poor outcomes. Had these factors been identified and acted upon, many of these deaths could possibly have been prevented. This is the 26th publication in the UK that I’m aware of on preventable deaths due to asthma. Asthma is the commonest non-communicable disease affecting about 15% of children. This report from the National Child Mortality Database is clearly a wakeup call for politicians and all those health managers and clinicians responsible for caring for children. See also - bit.ly/3vxpxJt

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 5 years, a new UK asthma guideline was published in November 2025. The document is fairly long and has multiple links to other documents which may or may not be read by general practitioners or generalist paediatricians and physicians. So in this podcast I’ve discussed four key messages from the document which in my view could improve asthma care right away. Please do also listen to podcast number 52 for a practical approach to reducing future attacks

See https://bjgp.org/content/74/739/86 for an article on AIR therapy

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Its 5 years since the UK asthma guidelines were updated. In June 2024 new draft chronic asthma guidelines were published by NICE, the BTS and SIGN. Over 600 feedback responses with comments on this draft were sent to the authors for consideration before publishing the new guideline. In this second of two podcasts I’m joined by Daryl Freeman and Toby Capstick to discuss the treatment section of draft. See https://bit.ly/3XSGHge 

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s 5 years since the UK asthma guidelines were updated. In June 2024 new draft chronic asthma guidelines were published by NICE/BTS/SIGN. Over 600 feedback responses were comments on this draft were sent to the authors for consideration before publishing the new guideline. In this first of two podcasts I’m joined by Daryl Freeman and Toby Capstick to discuss their views on the draft. See https://bit.ly/3XSGHge  

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many health care professionals who prescribe asthma treatment are not aware of Anti-Inflammatory Reliever (AIR) Therapy. This podcast clarifies this and will hopefully be a ‘light-bulb’ moment for doctors and nurses who prescribe for people with asthma. It will also be helpful for those non-medically trained people delegated to provide assistance and education to understand this treatment for people with asthma, as well of course people with asthma can benefit from this podcast. The two types of AIR Therapy are summarised - they are MART (MAintenance and Reliever Therapy, and As Needed AIR Therapy for so called mild asthma. See also https://ginasthma.org/reports/ and https://bigcatdoc.com/ for more information on asthma.

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.