ASTHMA sufferers are at risk of a fatal attack because many people do not know how they can help in an emergency, research shows.

A poll of more than 1,000 people for Asthma UK found 93% were aware that an asthma attack could be fatal.

But only half said they knew what to do if someone was having an attack.

Asthma UK today launched its Deadly Serious Campaign, with TV adverts highlighting the severe consequences of an asthma attack and urging parents and the public to learn how they should react in such a situation.

The charity wants people with asthma, or those caring for someone with asthma, to carry one of their asthma attack cards.

The card contains basic information about the symptoms of an asthma attack and how to use an inhaler.

It urges people to call 999 if the patient's condition gets worse.

Asthma UK said there are 5.2m people with asthma in the UK and every day people die unnecessarily.

Every seven hours someone dies of an asthma attack.