More than 300 asthma deaths in Scotland in the past five years could have been prevented, a charity has claimed.
There were more than 500 fatalities from the condition over that time.
Asthma UK said about two-thirds of such deaths are lost due to a lack of basic care.
That includes a yearly review with a GP or asthma nurse, a written action plan which explains how sufferers can stay well and an inhaler technique check.
Asthma UK called on the Scottish Government to take urgent action.
The charity’s chief executive Kay Boycott said: “It is appalling that hundreds of people with asthma in Scotland are still needlessly dying. It’s been five years since the National Review of Asthma Deaths found two-thirds could have been prevented with basic care.
“The same mistakes are being made again and again because recommendations have been ignored.
“The Scottish Government needs to act now to ensure everyone with asthma gets basic care.”
Six years ago, Tony Fagg, 12, died from an asthma attack.
His dad Anthony, 53, from Darvel, Ayrshire, said: “Tony wasn’t given basic care such as an inhaler check to ensure his medicine reached his lungs properly or an asthma action plan that told us what medicines he was taking and how to stay well.
“It’s appalling that people are still dying from asthma. Everyone with asthma should get life-saving basic care.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We want to ensure the best possible care is in place for all asthma patients and everything possible is done to minimise the risks.
“That is why we are developing a Respiratory Care Action Plan for Scotland, which will set out key priorities in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory conditions, including asthma.”
There were 12 fewer deaths from asthma last year than in 2017.
