Deaths from asthma in England and Wales have increased by a third in the past decade, the latest figures show. 

More than 1400 adults and children died from asthma attacks in 2018, an 8% increase since 2017, the analysis of statistics from the Office for National Statistics by Asthma UK revealed. 

Overall, more than 12 700 people have died from asthma in England and Wales in the past decade, with deaths increasing by  33% during this period. 

Chief  Executive of Asthma UK, Kay Boycott said: “It is completely unacceptable that thousands of people with asthma in England and Wales have died needlessly from asthma attacks.

“It’s been five years since the National Review of Asthma Deaths found that two-thirds of deaths from asthma attacks could have been prevented with basic care, yet we are still seeing tragic cases of lives being cut short.

“The same mistakes are being made again and again because essential recommendations have not been implemented. This lack of action is costing lives and devastating families and communities.