<p>There are an estimated 1.9 million adults with asthma in the UK, equating to about 7 per cent of the population (Bourke and Brewis 1998, Davies-Gray 2000). Between 10 and 20 per cent control their condition well, but there continues to be about 2,000 deaths a year (Dolan and Holt 2000, Davies-Gray 2000, Eaton 1999, Resuscitation Council (UK) 2000).</p>