Asthma UK is calling for a "game changing" approach to treating the condition.
A charity is calling for a “game changing” approach to tackling asthma as figures revealed three people in the UK die from the condition every day.
Asthma UK said a different approach was urgently needed, with new technologies such as smart inhalers helping to prevent attacks and ease the burden on the NHS.
It comes after a study by the charity found more than 270 people were admitted to hospital each day for the condition, with at least 1000 dying from asthma annually.
The total bill for treating the condition in the UK was found to be £1.1 billion, with £666 million of that going on prescriptions. Other costs include £160m on GP consultations, £143m on disability claims and £137m on hospital care.
Despite the fact we're spending over a billion pounds a year on asthma, many people are still not receiving care that meets even the most basic clinical standards
Health experts say the majority of asthma deaths are preventable and greater focus on basic care is needed to cut the rates of severe attacks.
Kay Boycott, chief executive of Asthma UK, said: "Despite the fact we're spending over a billion pounds a year on asthma, many people are still not receiving care that meets even the most basic clinical standards.
"It's clear this has to change and a different approach is urgently needed.
"We strongly believe new technologies such as smart inhalers are the likely game changer that could reduce asthma attacks and ease the burden on the NHS.
"Supporting people to better manage their asthma with new technologies would likely lead to healthier lifestyles, reducing the need for NHS appointments and admissions and freeing up care for those who need it most."
The study was led by the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research at The University of Edinburgh. The team said their findings confirm that the UK has one of the highest burdens of asthma in the world.
Professor Aziz Sheikh, the centre’s director, said: "Even with conservative assumptions, we find almost 100,000 people are admitted to hospital and there are at least 1000 deaths from asthma each year in the UK.
"This is unacceptable for a condition that, for most people, can be managed effectively with the right support from their GP.
"Greater focus on primary care is needed if we are to cut rates of severe asthma attacks, hospitalisations and deaths."
