Tens of thousands of people are at risk of potentially life-threatening asthma attacks because they are not being correctly prescribed inhalers, a charity has warned.

Asthma UK said more than 22,000 people with asthma in the UK – including 2,000 children – have been incorrectly prescribed long-acting reliever inhalers, which carry a black box warning in the US because they are unsafe if not used appropriately.

Its analysis, which is based on data from more than 500 UK GP practices, also found that almost 100,000 people with asthma have been prescribed too many short-acting reliever inhalers (more than 12 in a year) without national clinical guidelines being followed, which are also leaving them at risk.

It is dangerous to use a long-acting reliever inhaler alone

The charity said it is dangerous to use a long-acting reliever inhaler alone, without a steroid preventer inhaler or as a combination inhaler as, although it helps to keep the airways open, it does not treat the underlying inflammation. This leaves the airways inflamed and is more likely to react to triggers such as pollen or pollution, putting them at risk of having a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.

The charity said that patients should check if they are using an inhaler which has Salmeterol, Formoterol or Tiotropium bromide as the only active ingredient. If they are taking this without a steroid preventer inhaler as well, then they should contact their GP right away.

Meanwhile, if someone with asthma is prescribed more than 12 short acting reliever inhalers in a year (thus using it more than three times a week) without seeing a doctor, it is a key indicator they are not managing their condition and that their treatment needs reviewing, the charity said.

It added that, although asthmatics should not worry as they are not in any immediate danger, it is important they really understand their medicines and take an active role in managing their condition.