Asthma Spotlight

Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system. Diagnosis id often delayed, sometimes for years, and one of the reasons for this is where doctors fail to record the word asthma in the records of someone being treated for asthma. In this episode, which is mainly intended for doctors and nurses working in A&E or ED departments or primary care, however it will also be useful for someone who is being treated with inhalers without a diagnosis or a parent of a child with possible asthma. In this one Ive made some suggestions for improving the chance of making an earlier diagnosis, especially in children who attend with respiratory symptoms frequently and who are not diagnosed with asthma. Please do share this if you find it helpful and also write to me at [email protected] if you have any requests for other topics about asthma for future podcasts.

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.

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

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

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory system and breathing. An asthma attack is a risk factor for future attacks. This episode of Asthma Spotlight for family doctors and people with asthma is about preventing future asthma attacks. An asthma exacerbation or attack happens when underlying asthma is poorly controlled and is therefore a clear signal that the management needs to be optimised. So logically, part of the management of an attack should include taking action to identify what went wrong and deal with any modifiable risk factors for poor asthma control.

Please message me with any questions at [email protected].

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST or video 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 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: 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.

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

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

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory system and breathing. This week, on World Asthma Day GINA (www.ginasthma.org) published the 2026 updated evidence based Guidance for management of Asthma. In this podcast, I have shared my initial thoughts on one aspect of this new document, acute asthma management. These are useful for family doctors and doctors working in the emergency department. Four new charts for managing exacerbations/Attacks – two for primary care and two for Emergency departments for children under five and all other ages have been developed. I chose to discuss these first because asthma attacks are a signal that the chronic treatment has failed and in addition to management of the attacks, the underlying chronic management also need to be optimised. Please share this and let me have any questions at [email protected])

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST or video 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 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: 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. 

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

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

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory system and breathing. Asthma care needs to be improved both nin family practice and emergency departments 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 respiratory health and lives of their patients with asthma or suspected asthma. By implementing these three logical actions, asthma attacks, hospitalisations and asthma 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 disease, and not simply a symptom (ie wheeze) of 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. 

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

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

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory system and breathing. New evidence for Anti-inflammatory Reliever Therapy (AIR) in children aged 5-15 with so called 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 (usually blue) in reducing asthma attacks and improving respiratory health. The combination Anti-inflammatory reliever inhaler instead of a salbutamol / albuterol reliever for relief of symptoms led to a reduction of asthma attacks in about half of those children 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.

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

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

Tragically after 60 years preventable asthma deaths continue in childhood in the UK. Most asthma is treated by family doctors who need to recognise risk factors and asthma triggers for future attacks. Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory system and breathing. 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.

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

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

Asthma is a chronic disease affecting the respiratory system and can cause breathin difficulty. Canada has amoungst the lowest numbers of asthma deaths in the world. In this interview with Dr Alan Kaplan a Canadian Family doctor 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. 

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

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.

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

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. 

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

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

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Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

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