Cost of living crisis: Asthma + Lung UK warns many could be at risk as costs soar and winter bites

Around 1 in 5 people with asthma surveyed by leading lung charity Asthma + Lung UK say the soaring cost of living has caused life-threatening asthma attacks as they cut back on medicines, heating and food.

The charity, which surveyed more than 3,600 people with lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis, also found that 1 in 2 say their condition had worsened since the cost of living crisis began, with many needing emergency treatment.

Asthma + Lung UK warns that with winter already the deadliest season for people with lung conditions, there could be a tidal wave of hospital admissions for people with lung conditions as cold weather, an abundance of viruses and people cutting back on medicines, heating, food and electricity puts them at risk.

Keeping people safe and well should be the Government’s priority this winter

Asthma + Lung UK is urging the Government to provide targeted financial support to help people with lung conditions with the rising cost of bills and living. Sarah Woolnough, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK, said:

“Untenable cost of living hikes are forcing people with lung conditions to make impossible choices about their health. Warm homes, regular medicine and a healthy diet are all important pillars to good lung condition management – but they all come at a cost. We are hearing from people already reporting a sharp decline in their lung health, including many having life-threatening asthma attacks. With temperatures beginning to fall and further energy price hikes looming, we’re seriously worried that when winter bites it will tip the country into a public health crisis.

“Lives are at risk if the Government doesn’t step in to help people with lung conditions, including ending unfair prescription charges and providing financial support for people who face extra energy bills for medical equipment. As part of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, we are calling on the UK Government to provide more support for people on low incomes so they can afford to keep their homes warm this winter.”

87% of people with CF worried about the cost of living

Cystic Fibrosis Trust discovered similar findings in a survey earlier this year, with 87% of people with CF telling us they were worried about the cost of living. Our Cost of CF report recommends policies that we believe will help address the issues our community have identified and ensure people with cystic fibrosis can truly live a life unlimited by their condition.

David Ramsden, Chief Executive of Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “These concerning findings reinforce the urgent need for further Government action to keep people with chronic lung conditions - like cystic fibrosis and asthma – safe this winter. Our latest research shows 1 in 3 people are missing hospital appointments due to cost, and 1 in 3 run out of food before they have money to buy more. With energy bills already double what they were last year and rising food costs, people could be at risk of severe health problems if they can’t afford to heat their homes or eat properly.”

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.

We provide a range of grants for people with cystic fibrosis and their families, support for those applying for benefits and information about prescription charges. You can find out more about the financial support we offer here.

Read more about our Cost of CF report and what we’re calling for