THE MAJORITY of people in the region wouldn’t know what to do if someone had an asthma attack.

Almost three-quarters of those in the North-East and North Yorkshire would not know how to help someone struggling to breathe, according to data from charity Asthma UK.

Potentially life-threatening asthma attacks happen every ten seconds in the UK, with three children in every classroom suffering from the condition.

The charity is now urging people across the region to understand the seriousness of asthma and how to manage it.

Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Policy at Asthma UK, said their findings proved asthma was not taken seriously enough, with many believing the condition is not life-threatening.

She said: “What people don’t realise is that much like a heart attack, an asthma attack is a medical emergency.

“Asthma attacks can and do kill. It’s essential that people know how to manage their asthma to avoid attacks, we mustn’t be complacent.”

People with asthma are encouraged to draw up asthma plans, outlining details of their medicine.

To help someone suffering with a suspected asthma attack, the charity says to try to keep them calm and ensure they sit up straight.

If they possess a reliever inhaler (usually blue), encourage them to take one puff every 30 to 60 seconds to a maximum of ten puffs.

If the person is deteriorating, worried or is not feeling better after ten puffs, call 999 for an ambulance.

For more information about managing asthma, visit asthma.org.uk.