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The hidden danger of blue inhaler overuse in children, and the UK study tackling it

The hidden danger of blue inhaler overuse in children, and the UK study tackling it

A new Southampton-led study is testing extra check-ups to reduce asthma attacks in children.

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Published: February 26, 2026 at 6:45 AM

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A major new UK study is looking at whether a simple extra check-up could help prevent life-threatening asthma attacks in children.

Researchers at University Hospital Southampton are leading the first study of its kind to tackle the overuse of blue reliever inhalers, which has been linked to a much higher risk of severe asthma attacks in young people.

The Prescription Alerts for Reliever Inhalers in Children, known as the PARC study, is offering some families enhanced asthma reviews led by a specialist nurse, in the hope of improving day-to-day control and reducing emergency flare-ups.

Why overusing blue inhalers can be a red flag

Asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions in children. It causes symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and a tight chest. For some children, symptoms are mild and occasional. For others, flare-ups can be severe and may require hospital treatment.

Most children with asthma are prescribed two types of inhaler:

Preventer inhalers, usually taken daily to reduce inflammation in the airways and stop symptoms developing
Reliever inhalers, usually blue, used to ease symptoms when they occur

Reliever inhalers do not treat the underlying airway inflammation that causes asthma symptoms. According to the research team, children prescribed six or more reliever inhalers in the past year are three to five times more likely to have an asthma attack than those prescribed none.

Despite this, while all children with asthma are invited for an annual review with their GP, extra check-ups for those frequently using blue inhalers do not routinely happen in the UK.

What is the PARC study doing differently?

The PARC study is dividing GP practices across Hampshire, Dorset and the Thames Valley into two groups. One group offers an enhanced asthma check-up led by a specialist nurse, while the other continues with usual care.

Researchers will compare the number of asthma attacks experienced over the following year to see whether the additional review makes a measurable difference.

Dr Anna Selby, paediatric registrar at UHS and NIHR academic clinical lecturer

Dr Anna Selby, paediatric registrar at UHS and NIHR academic clinical lecturer (Source: University Hospital Southampton)

Dr Anna Selby, paediatric registrar at UHS and NIHR academic clinical lecturer at the University of Southampton, is leading the study.

She said: “This study is the first of its kind to test whether a simple, proactive check-up can prevent severe asthma attacks in children and young people."

Our hope is that by identifying children at higher risk sooner, and giving families extra support and education, we can reduce emergency admissions and transform how asthma care is delivered across the UK.

Dr Anna Selby, paediatric registrar at UHS

Ultimately, the team hopes to introduce a new alert system that would notify GPs if a child has been prescribed more than six reliever inhalers in a year, prompting an automatic invitation for a review.

At the end of the project, children in the usual care group will also be offered the enhanced check-up, so every participating family benefits.

How one family has benefited

Atlanta McDermott and Amelia

Atlanta McDermott and Amelia (Source: University Hospital Southampton)

Southampton mum Atlanta McDermott signed her daughter Amelia up to the PARC study after becoming concerned about how often she was relying on her blue inhaler.

“Before we joined the study in December, Amelia was using her blue inhaler every day,” she said. “She was really wheezy, she found it difficult to sleep, and she was continually coughing.”

As part of the study, Amelia’s treatment was reviewed and she now takes a combination inhaler containing both reliever medication and an inhaled steroid, which helps control inflammation as well as ease symptoms.

“The team explained the study really well to Amelia, and we’ve both gained valuable insights that mean we now understand asthma a lot better,” said Atlanta. “They’ve kept in contact throughout, with regular calls to check how she’s doing on the new inhaler.

“Now, thanks to the advice and support we’ve received by taking part, Amelia doesn’t use her blue inhaler anymore. Instead, she takes her powdered combination inhaler three times a day, and that keeps her symptoms under control.”

For Atlanta, the biggest change has been seeing her daughter regain her confidence.

Amelia is now back to doing clubs, playing outside and, as her mum puts it, “just being a normal child again”.

What this means for parents

If your child is using their blue inhaler frequently, it may be a sign their asthma is not as well controlled as it could be.

Experts recommend speaking to your GP or asthma nurse if:

Your child needs their reliever inhaler several times a week
They are waking at night due to symptoms
You are requesting repeat prescriptions for reliever inhalers more often than expected

The PARC study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and delivered through the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre.

Families interested in finding out more can visit the PARC trial website for further information.

For many parents, asthma can feel unpredictable and worrying. This research hopes to offer a more proactive approach, giving families the knowledge and support they need before symptoms spiral into an emergency.