Asthma Spotlight

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

One of the biggest risks for people with asthma is in those whose asthma is not yet diagnosed. People are often being treated for symptoms, like cough or wheezing without a medical diagnosis. So despite having repeated episodes of respiratory symptoms, these episodes are simply treated as one off acute events with cough mixtures, or antibiotics or inhaler medication. As I’ve said in previous podcasts, asthma is a chronic ongoing disease requiring ongoing treatment to prevent attacks, and is NOT an acute one off disease and in this podcast I’ll share my thoughts and reasons why I think this is a problem. This is particularly relevant because the new draft UK asthma guidelines do not help address this issue of failure to diagnose asthma. For more information on asthma see https://bigcatdoc.com

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 attacks and asthma deaths are mostly preventable with good care. There is often a lot of publicity, about people who die from asthma. However, not much about people with asthma who have 'near misses'. i.e. life threatening attacks where the management is below expected. thisa happened recently to a young girl, who I had looked after 5 years ago in a general practice. Mom contacted me andt she and her husband agreed for me to share the story about their child who had a near miss asthma attack in 2024 - just about 10 years after we published the National Review of Asthma Deaths. I am really saddened that in the UK, we have still not implemented a robust system for managing asthma, the commonest chronic childhood disease. This podcast discusses some lessons for health professionals and provides some ideas to help parents of children with asthma. Please also see my suggested plan for an ongoing system of clinical audit .for primary care to start reflecting on and tackling this disease properly. GPs please see https://bit.ly/3vxpxJt for an audit system to reflect on asthma attacks.

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.

Severe asthma causes misery for many people, it is underdiagnosed and yet it contributes significantly to poor outcomes due to asthma and is very costly for health care providers. About 3-5% of people with asthma have severe asthma and if suspected or confirmed should be cared for by asthma specialists. In this interview with DR Hitasha Rupani, you will understand a lot about this type of asthma irrewspective if you are a sufferer or a health care professional. The information could save someone's life.

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.

Many colleagues have asked for an explanation on Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) for asthma. Ther is a considerable body of exidence supporting the use of Anti-inflammatory Reliever (AIR) therapy for asthma which is more effective and safer than the use of separate inhalers prescribed for relief and prevention opf asthma. There are two forms of AIR therapy authorised by regulators and these are MART for those with moderate to severe asthma and also 'as needed AIR instea=d of Short-acting bronchodilators (SABAs) for relief of symptoms in people wiyh mild asthma. This podcast explains the rationale and some of the practicalities related to AIR therapy and is useful both for health care professionals and people with & parents of people with with asthma. See https://bjgp.org/content/74/739/86 for the research evidence for this approach.

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.

Thefre is no point in doing an asthma review when someone is 100% fit ands well. Asthma is a chronic disease prone to flare ups or attacks which could be life threatening. Its characterised by intermittent symptoms or attacks with other periods when the disease is very well controlled and the person has no symptoms. So performing an assessment may be unhelpful if the person is well on that day. So in this episode, Ive concentrated on when to best make use of a health professionals time and skills in deciding whether any of the care needs optimising. Ive also described how people with asthma, and parents of children with asthma can take some responsibility for deciding when they need to seek medical assistance for a review. Ive suggested how health care professionals can best use their skills and asthma training for the benefit of patients, to reduce attacks and unscheduled care requiremen. Please see my 7-Step Plan to prevent attacks: https://bigcatdoc.com/2024/01/10/2024-identify-that-an-asthma-attack-is-a-red-flag/

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 management in primary care in the UK has reached a stage where patients and doctors are at grave risk. The problem being that a large proportion of asthma care is being delegated inappropriately to individuals (Physician and nurse associates, health care assistants, untrained nurses and pharmacists for eg) who may not be adequately trained for the roles they are being asked to perform. As a result of political pressure to generate data to give appearances that patients are accessing care (through directing them to pharmacies, care hubs, and individuals within primary care), without adequate training or supervision. Also the UK General Medical Council has highlighted the need for doctors to delegate responsibly. So patients are being put at risk and general practitioners are putting their registration at risk as well as becoming further deskilled in managing asthma. Have a look at my 7-Step plan to try and improve patient care and at the same time educate all practice staff in recognising risk and changing systems for asthma care. https://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.

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Asthma is a chronic disease that flares up from time to time due to exposure to trigger factors and well known risk factors. Family doctors particularly need to be aware of the triggers and modifisble risk factors for future attacks. The tragic death of another child due to asthma is the last straw for me. Most asthma attacks and deaths are potentially preventable. These preventable deaths in children particularly must stop. So Ive developed a 7-step plan to help general practices identify and review all those who have an asthma attack in a regular practice meeting - at least monthly. The key being to identify and fix modifiable risk factors for the patient after the attack, and to create systems to prevent attacks in others. see; bit.ly/3vxpxJt for details on the suggested system. This and the most recent podcasts were discussions on the different risk factors and some practical ideas for dealing with them. Please share any comments via email to me at [email protected]

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.

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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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