New asthma guideline could save NHS millions, NICE claim

NICE has issued draft guidance setting out what medicines adults, young people and children with asthma should take to control symptoms and reduce asthma attacks. The draft guidance, now out for public consultation, calls for a change in how medicines are offered – a move that could save the NHS millions of pounds, NICE has said. The NHS currently spends £1 billion a year treating and caring for people with asthma, with about 4.5 million people in England receiving treatment for the condition, according to Asthma UK estimates.  NICE has said people should get a 7p a day tablet earlier