As someone who has lived with asthma since childhood, I know first-hand the challenges which come with managing a chronic respiratory condition. From recognising the warning signs of an exacerbation to understanding how to use different types of inhalers and nebulisers, asthma has shaped much of my lived experience – and it’s one I bring to my work in the BMA patient liaison group.

Asthma isn’t just about wheezing. It’s the anxiety of not knowing when the next flare-up might hit. It’s the frustration of being unable to breathe freely. And for far too many, it’s a trip to the emergency department which could have been avoided with better education, access to care and long-term planning.

Recent analysis by Asthma + Lung UK has laid bare the scale of the crisis: a staggering 24 per cent rise in the number of people across the country needing emergency hospital care for serious breathing difficulties five or more times a year. These aren’t just numbers – they’re lives interrupted, families under stress and a health system under immense pressure.

Asthma + Lung UK is now calling on the Government to prioritise respiratory health in its 10-year plan. As a member of the PLG, I strongly echo that call. Respiratory health must no longer be treated as a second-tier issue.

Education is central

One of the most effective tools in managing asthma is education – especially around inhaler technique. You would be surprised how many people, even those who have had asthma for years, aren’t using their inhalers properly.

The correct technique can be the difference between control and crisis. Whether it’s understanding the difference between preventer and reliever inhalers, or knowing when to seek help during a flare-up, we need more consistent, accessible information available in clinics, schools, workplaces and communities.

A shared responsibility

The BMA and its members can play a pivotal role in this. By advocating for respiratory care to be properly resourced, listening to the lived experiences of patients and helping to close gaps in care and health literacy, we can reduce avoidable hospital admissions and improve quality of life for thousands.

As we mark World Asthma Day, let us not just raise awareness – let us raise the standard of care. Breathing should be easy, not a battle.

Kieron Blake is equalities champion of the BMA PLG