A charity has criticised the lack of basic lung function tests in GP surgeries, warning it could lead to serious problems for the NHS this winter. Asthma and Lung UK says that without proper testing, patients are being misdiagnosed, costing the health service millions.
One in five people in the UK is affected by a lung condition at some point, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lung disease is the third biggest killer in the country, yet many GP practices lack funding for simple tests like peak-flow or spirometry, forcing doctors to rely on educated guesses.
The charity estimates that up to 750,000 people in England are misdiagnosed with asthma, costing the government £132 million annually. Meanwhile, £2.2 billion is spent on avoidable hospital stays and treatments for undiagnosed patients. Lung conditions cost the NHS £11 billion each year, with COPD being the second most common reason for emergency hospital admissions.
Lucie Irwin, 36, experienced breathlessness for seven years before being correctly diagnosed with eosinophilic asthma after requesting a test. She had been prescribed multiple inhalers and tablets that did not help, leaving her unable to walk or socialise. Now on an injectable immunosuppressant, she says she is no longer debilitated.
Asthma and Lung UK chief executive Sarah Woolnough described the lack of testing as 'abysmal', causing avoidable harm to patients and the NHS. Clinical lead Dr Andrew Whittamore said GP practices face barriers including lack of funding, workforce, training, and physical space to carry out tests properly.
An NHS spokesperson said the health service recognises the importance of early and accurate diagnosis of respiratory disease, noting that basic lung function tests are available at GP practices and community diagnostic centres, while over a million people are being invited for lung cancer checks.
