Resources for clinicians
Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management (BTS, NICE, SIGN)
New NICE guidelines published 27th November 2024 (NG245) – combines previous disparate BTS and SIGN guidelines and aligns it with NICE.
Lincolnshire Joint Formulary Preferred Inhalers for Primary Care
The aim of this document is to categorise inhalers comprehensively to make prescribing decisions easier.
The first line formulary choices are shown to make it clear the preferred Lincolnshire formulary recommendation and includes the licensing information, carbon emission classification and price. An image of the inhaler device is also shown where possible to aid in prescribing. The information shown is correct as of January 2026 and will be updated as frequently as possible, clinical discretion is encouraged if using this as a prescribing aid. See the Lincolnshire Formulary for further information on all approved inhalers.
Please click here to view the document.
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The overuse of SABA reliever inhalers in Primary Care
Recent data has shown a pattern of excess reliance on short acting beta agonist (SABA) inhalers. The impact is not only potential health risks it also has financial implications. It also highlights the need for proactive treatment and patient education surrounding respiratory conditions. If you would like to see our practice level data, please contact the Medicines Optimisation Team.
A drug safety update published by the MHRA reminds healthcare professionals and patients of the risk of severe asthma attacks and increased mortality associated with overuse of SABA with or without anti-inflammatory maintenance therapy in patients with asthma. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the change in guidance that no longer recommends prescribing SABA without an inhaled corticosteroid. Please see below link.
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Breathe Green Project Video - What's stopping us from reducing our MDI use?
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Asthma Toolkit on the Greener practice website: High Quality and Low Carbon Asthma Care – Greener Practice
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Resources for Patients, Families and Carers
Asthma and Lung UK – Patient-centred website
Asthma and Lung UK is a registered charity providing invaluable information for patients with respiratory diagnoses to understand their condition more. The website also signposts to relevant support groups and a patient helpline.
NHS website: Guide to help you manage your asthma
Guides produced by the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals for people suffering from asthma, available in various languages:
Arabic, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Urdu, Hindi, Polish, Punjabi, Somali and Welsh
Managing asthma during Ramadan guide is also available.
Patient decision aid on asthma inhalers and climate change
Developed by NICE, this decision aid helps to understand which types of inhalers contain a propellant that has a greenhouse gas effect, what is the impact of the propellant on climate change and why switching to a green inhaler is better for the patient and the environment.
