Around 6,000 inhalers used by asthma patients have been recalled by health officials.

Asthma UK said that 'faulty inhalers could put people's lives at risk' as it called on patients to check whether their inhaler needed to be returned.

Bernadette Sinclair Jenkins, the regulatory assessment unit manager of the MHRA's Inspections, Enforcement and Standards unit, said: 'It is important people check whether they have an affected inhaler. We want patients and their families to be confident treatment will be safe and effective when required.'

Asthma UK said that around 6,000 inhalers were affected.

The charity's clinical lead Dr Andy Whittamore said: 'It is extremely worrying that some people with asthma may have faulty inhalers and it could put people's lives at risk.

'We'd urge everyone with asthma to check if their inhaler is from the affected batch by checking the number on the bottom of their inhaler. If it is affected, they should get medical advice and return the inhaler to their pharmacist for a replacement.

'To find out more visit www.asthma.org.uk/recalled-inhalers.'