Asthma Spotlight

Dr Mark L Levy

Asthma is a very common disease of the lungs affecting over 300 million people worldwide, and attacks can flare up without warning. At least 1000 people die from asthma every day. Most asthma attacks and asthma deaths can be prevented. I'm Dr Mark L Levy family doctor with special interest in asthma. This weekly podcast aims to provide information on asthma to help asthma sufferers and those in their support network as well as health care providers. The information aims to facilitate understanding of the disease, discuss self-management on asthma, how to monitor and strive to control it, and to learn how to recognise and act on danger signals to prevent asthma attacks.  This educational podcast contains my own opinions and cannot be interpreted as the delivery of healthcare in any country or jurisdiction where this podcast is available, in perpetuity. These opinions cannot substitute for medical advice from your own doctor so please see the disclaimer below. Future potential guests on the show or any indviduals interviewed and quoted are subject to the same opinion disclaimers.  Please follow and share and send any questions on asthma to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com which will be answered in future podcasts. Tw(X): @asthmaspotlight and @bigcatdoc Disclaimer: Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST are relevant to the information available at the time of publication, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind in any jurisdiction where this podcast is available, in perpetuity. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contains my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realise that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog. Additional Legal Disclaimer: AsthmaSpotlight Podcast: This blog or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog. Privacy notice AsthmaSpotlight Podcast: While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission. Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:  The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  1. Episode 72

    New Asthma Research Findings: CARE Study

    Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory system and breathing. New evidence for Anti-inflammatory Reliever Therapy (AIR) in children aged 5-15 with so called mild asthma. The New Zealand CARE study confirmed that inhaled Budesonide (an anti-inflammatory controller) in combination with formoterol (a fast acting, long-acting bronchodilator ) is more effective than salbutamol reliever (usually blue) in reducing asthma attacks and improving respiratory health. The combination Anti-inflammatory reliever inhaler instead of a salbutamol / albuterol reliever for relief of symptoms led to a reduction of asthma attacks in about half of those children studied.There is now no rationale for prescribing salbutamol alone for relief of symptoms without an inhaled corticosteroid in children 5 years and over who have asthma. For more information see https://bit.ly/4nPGRzc and www.ginasthma.org Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contains my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this includesbut is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog. ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast: This blog or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog. Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission. Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site. Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at asthmaspotlight@gmail.com. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Episode 73

    Improve Asthma Care - Three simple tasks for Family doctors

    Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory system and breathing. Asthma care needs to be improved both nin family practice and emergency departments as a matter of urgency in the United kingdom and probably elsewhere as well. As we near the end of 2025, with evidence of poor outcomes especially in children and young people, its time for a new years resolution for clinicians caring for people with asthma. In my final Asthmaspotlight podcast episode for 2025, I strongly suggest three actions that doctors can take to improve the respiratory health and lives of their patients with asthma or suspected asthma. By implementing these three logical actions, asthma attacks, hospitalisations and asthma deaths as well as clinicians workload will be reduced in my view. These are, i) using simple evidence based treatment for asthma, ii) ensuring the term asthma or suspected asthma is recorded in the medical notes and iii) understanding that asthma is a chronic disease, and not simply a symptom (ie wheeze) of an acute disease requiring optimisation of the underlying chronic disease as part of the management of acute attacks which indicate that chronic management has failed. For more information on the latest asthma guidance see www.ginasthma.org and for practical ideas for improving asthma care see www.bigcatdoc.com and for a talk on how to perform a post asthma attack review see https://bit.ly/3I48YLG   Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog. ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog. Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission. Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites.  Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at asthmaspotlight@gmail.com. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Episode 74

    Acute Asthma

    Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory system and breathing. This week, on World Asthma Day GINA (www.ginasthma.org) published the 2026 updated evidence based Guidance for management of Asthma. In this podcast, I have shared my initial thoughts on one aspect of this new document, acute asthma management. These are useful for family doctors and doctors working in the emergency department. Four new charts for managing exacerbations/Attacks – two for primary care and two for Emergency departments for children under five and all other ages have been developed. I chose to discuss these first because asthma attacks are a signal that the chronic treatment has failed and in addition to management of the attacks, the underlying chronic management also need to be optimised. Please share this and let me have any questions at asthmaspotlight@ginasthma.com) Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST or video are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contains my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog. ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast: This blog or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog. Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission. Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site.  Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at asthmaspotlight@gmail.com. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Episode 75

    Preventing Acute asthma attacks

    Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory system and breathing. An asthma attack is a risk factor for future attacks. This episode of Asthma Spotlight for family doctors and people with asthma is about preventing future asthma attacks. An asthma exacerbation or attack happens when underlying asthma is poorly controlled and is therefore a clear signal that the management needs to be optimised. So logically, part of the management of an attack should include taking action to identify what went wrong and deal with any modifiable risk factors for poor asthma control. Please message me with any questions at asthmaspotlight@gmail.com. Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST or video are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contains my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog. ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast: This blog or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog. Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission. Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site. Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at asthmaspotlight@gmail.com. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Asthma is a very common disease of the lungs affecting over 300 million people worldwide, and attacks can flare up without warning. At least 1000 people die from asthma every day. Most asthma attacks and asthma deaths can be prevented. I'm Dr Mark L Levy family doctor with special interest in asthma. This weekly podcast aims to provide information on asthma to help asthma sufferers and those in their support network as well as health care providers. The information aims to facilitate understanding of the disease, discuss self-management on asthma, how to monitor and strive to control it, and to learn how to recognise and act on danger signals to prevent asthma attacks.  This educational podcast contains my own opinions and cannot be interpreted as the delivery of healthcare in any country or jurisdiction where this podcast is available, in perpetuity. These opinions cannot substitute for medical advice from your own doctor so please see the disclaimer below. Future potential guests on the show or any indviduals interviewed and quoted are subject to the same opinion disclaimers.  Please follow and share and send any questions on asthma to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com which will be answered in future podcasts. Tw(X): @asthmaspotlight and @bigcatdoc Disclaimer: Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST are relevant to the information available at the time of publication, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind in any jurisdiction where this podcast is available, in perpetuity. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contains my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realise that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog. Additional Legal Disclaimer: AsthmaSpotlight Podcast: This blog or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog. Privacy notice AsthmaSpotlight Podcast: While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission. Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:  The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Mark L Levy
  • Episodes
    75
  • Seasons
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr Mark L Levy
  • Show Website
    Asthma Spotlight