The UK’s largest asthma study using real-world data has confirmed a link between over-reliance on SABA inhalers (short-acting beta-2 bronchodilators, also referred to as rescue inhalers) and an increase in asthma exacerbations and asthma-related healthcare utilisation.
The study, which analysed data from more than half a million UK patients, was developed by AstraZeneca jointly with experts from the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and leading respiratory healthcare professionals.
According to the data, over 200,000 people (38%) were classified as having high SABA inhaler use (prescribed ≥3 inhalers/year) which was associated with around twice the number of asthma attacks compared with low users (prescribed 0-2 inhalers/year), regardless of asthma severity.
Around 5.4 million people (4.3 million adults) live with asthma in the UK. Every 10 seconds someone in the UK has a potentially life-threatening asthma attack, and, on average, three people die from the disease every day, highlighting the need to improve treatment strategies.
Read more: http://www.pharmatimes.com/news/study_confirms_link_between_saba_inhalers_and_asthma_exacerbations_1346971