Sudden Asthmatic Death

Asthma is a common inflammatory disease that causes the airways to react to irritants and allergens. An estimated 17 million people are currently affected by asthma, and it accounts for a staggering $14.5 billion in healthcare costs each year. All age groups are affected by asthma; sadly, however, children are most at risk of developing the disease.

While the symptoms of asthma are treatable, severe asthma attacks can be fatal. Recently, the manufacturer of Advair and Serevent – two drugs used to treat asthma – has come under fire due to reports of fatal attacks suffered by patients using these drugs. Often drug companies are negligent and do not fully inform doctors and patients about these side effects. The manufacturer of Advair and Serevent may be required to compensate the family of individuals who have suffered sudden asthmatic death due to these drugs. If you or someone your now has suffered a severe or fatal asthma attack due to taking Advair or Serevent, you should contact Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz at (888) 255-2956 to learn more about your legal rights and the possibility of compensation.

 

Causes of Asthma Attacks

Asthmatic episodes, both mild and severe, are usually triggered by allergens and other irritants. Among allergens, the most common offenders are indoor allergens such as:

• Dust mites
• Cockroaches
• Mold
• Animal dander

Irritants that often cause asthmatic episodes and attacks include:

• Strong smells
• Cigarette smoke
• Pollutants
• Hot and cold air
• Weather changes

Viral infections are another common cause of asthma attacks.

Fatal Asthma Attacks

Asthma attacks are responsible for nearly 500,000 hospitalizations and around 5,000 deaths each year. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Asthma is a contributing factor in another 7,000 deaths. Most victims of asthma-related deaths are over 50 years old and 65 percent are female. African American women are 2.5 times more likely to die from asthma than Caucasian women.

While asthma-related deaths have increased dramatically since 1980, according to the American Lung Association, deaths attributable to asthma have been on the decline the past four years. However, during this time unnecessary asthmatic deaths have taken place due to drugs that may be defective.

Two drugs, Advair and Serevent, have recently been linked to asthma-related deaths:

Advair & Serevent

Advair and Serevent are two prescription medications used in the treatment of asthma and chronic pulmonary disease (COPD). Advair contains a long-acting beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist (LABA) drug called salmeterol, which is used to treat symptoms of asthma and COPD such as coughing, wheezing and tightness in the chest.

Salmeterol works by relaxing smooth muscle in the airway passages; this allows the bronchial tubes to dilate, which in turn reduces breathing difficulty. However, in rare cases the drug can have the opposite effect, causing sudden bronchial inflammation and sensitivity. This unexpected effect can lead to severe or even fatal asthma attacks. Signs and symptoms of reaction to salmeterol include hives, rashes, swelling, respiratory problems and severe asthma attacks. More minor side effects include headaches, muscle aches and irritation of the stomach, ear, nose or throat.

Drugs containing salmeterol have been linked to several fatal asthmatic episodes. A clinical trial reported 13 severe asthma attacks leading to death. Tragically, GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of both Advair and Serevent, failed to include this information on the label warnings of these drugs. As a result, the company has been accused of legal negligence.

Your Legal Rights

Drug manufacturers hold the lives of patients in their hands; as such, it is the responsibility of these companies to properly inform doctors and patients of any potential side effects, especially those that may be fatal. When they fail to do so, drug makers are guilty of legal negligence. If you or someone you love has suffered a severe or fatal asthma attack while taking Advair or Serevent, contact the lawyers of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz today at (888) 255-2956 to learn more about your rights as a victim of these drugs.

*Medical Warning: Do not stop taking Advair or Serevent without guidance from a physician.