Patient safety is at the centre of new WHO asthma guidelines

The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing updated asthma care guidance, with patient safety expected to play a central role

The new guidance, due to be published in early 2027, aims to improve access to effective treatment and reduce avoidable harm for people living with asthma.

The focus comes as part of World Patient Safety Day 2026, which highlights the importance of safe care for people with long-term noncommunicable diseases.

A global asthma challenge

Asthma remains a major global health concern. An estimated 363 million people were living with the condition in 2023, while 442,000 deaths were attributed to asthma.

The hardest part is clear in low- and lower-middle-income countries, where many people remain undiagnosed or do not receive appropriate treatment. Although effective medicines are available, limited access and affordability still prevent many patients from getting the care they need.

Looking ahead of symptom relief

A key concern in asthma treatment is an over-reliance on reliever inhalers. These medicines can quickly open narrowed airways and ease symptoms, but frequent use may signal that asthma is not well controlled.

Regularly needing reliever medication has also been linked to a greater risk of severe asthma attacks and death. This highlights the importance of treating the underlying airway inflammation rather than focusing only on short-term symptom relief.

Inhaled corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of severe attacks and asthma-related deaths. However, they remain underused in many parts of the world. Poor access to these medicines can leave inflammation untreated. It may lead to more symptoms, asthma attacks, and repeated courses of steroid tablets, which can cause harmful effects when used over time.

Access and correct inhaler use

Access to inhaled medicines remains a significant problem. WHO reported that in 2023, bronchodilator inhalers were available in fewer than two-thirds of public primary healthcare facilities in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Steroid inhalers were available in fewer than half.

Having access to the right medicine is only part of effective asthma care. Patients also need to understand what each inhaler does and how to use it correctly.

Healthcare professionals can help by checking inhaler technique, regularly reviewing symptoms and making sure patients know how to recognise worsening asthma and when to seek medical attention.

Patient care at the core

The WHO guidance aims to strengthen evidence-based asthma care while encouraging patients to take an active role in managing their condition.

Shared decision-making, safe medicine use, continuity of care, and follow-up after severe asthma attacks are all important parts of patient safety.

By improving access to treatment, supporting correct inhaler use, and helping people recognise when their asthma is getting worse, the new guidance could reduce preventable complications and make asthma care safer worldwide.