Teenage asthmatics avoid ‘stigma’ of inhalers

Asthmatic teenagers are putting themselves at risk by not using inhalers as the condition is portrayed as “weak” in film and on television.

A study by Queen Mary University, London, and backed by Asthma UK, found young people with the illness are on average using the device a quarter of the recommended time because of embarrassment. One said: “It is so regularly portrayed in films as being more of an emotional/ psychological problem suffered by over-anxious people.”

Experts want GPS to discuss peer-pressure issues with the young and to emphasise the dangers of ignoring the condition.