Latest news with #JakeLawler
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Boy, 15, collapsed and died during football game at school just days after doctors wrongly diagnosed him with asthma
Four "red flags" were highlighted in Jake's misdiagnosis 'ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATED' Boy, 15, collapsed and died during football game at school just days after doctors wrongly diagnosed him with asthma Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TEENAGE boy who collapsed and died during a football game at school was wrongly diagnosed with asthma just days before, an inquest heard. Jake Lawler, 15, passed away after collapsing at Ashton on Mersey School in Sale, Trafford, on November 5 last year. 2 Jake Lawler was misdiagnosed with asthma a month before his death Credit: 2 The 15-year-old collapsed and died during a football game Credit: Facebook The court heard a month before his death he attended Wythenshawe Hospital complaining of shortness of breath while playing football. The inquest was told Jake, from Sale, had collapsed on the pitch on October 13, 2024. Alison Mutch, senior coroner for Manchester South, has now written in a Prevention of Future Death report. She warned how medical professionals incorrectly diagnosed the teenager with exercise induced asthma. According to the report, an "abnormal ECG" and an "exercise induced syncope episode", were not recognised or followed up on. Medical history provided by Jake's father was also "not assessed correctly". The coroner concluded the abnormal ECG in combination with the teen's collapse "should have resulted in him being referred for an inpatient paediatric review and further testing". And, when Jake was discharged, his ECG results were wrongly recorded as coming back "normal". Jake's GP prescribed him medication for the misdiagnosed asthma, but it did not seem to have any effect on the youngster. A test for asthma was also conducted five days after Jake collapsed. But the nurse referred him back to a doctor as they did not think he suffered from the condition. The 15-year-old tragically died from a biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy just a month later. The coroner wrote in her report: "It is probable that he would not have died on the day he did had the correct actions been taken. "Jake's collapse was incorrectly attributed to his exercise induced asthma." In her report, four areas of concern were highlighted to help prevent future deaths. She stated Jake's ECG results were "key warning signs" that shouldn't have been missed, whether due to training or insufficient medical equipment. Another "red flag event" laid out was "no clear national guidance" on the route to take after a paediatric exercise induced syncope. The third point spotlighted covered asthma treatment prescribed by the GP, which failed to elevate Jake's symptoms, and the asthma assessment. "Jake was assessed by his GP practice using the national asthma scoring system," wrote the coroner. "However, the scoring system does not appear to facilitate scoring for exercise induced asthma. "In Jake's case the readings and answers pointed to a well-controlled asthma. "This was at variance with the fact that his history indicated that he was continuing to struggle with his breathing when exercising and meant he did not trigger as a concern. "This was exacerbated by the normal peak flow readings taken at rest which gave a falsely reassuring picture." The coroner added there was a "lack of curiosity" and a "lack of appreciation" regarding how limiting the assessment was. "In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and I believe you and/or your organisation have the power to take such action," she continued. Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and GP Surgery have until July 4 later this year to respond to the report. Jake's school said at the time of his tragic death: "Our school community was absolutely devastated by the loss of one of our much loved and precious students, Jake Lawler, who recently passed away in tragic circumstances. "As a school, we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and continue to support our students and staff during this incredibly difficult time. "We would also like to take this opportunity to share a link to Jake's memorial fund, set up by his family to raise awareness of a very worthy cause - CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). "The money will go towards raising awareness of young sudden cardiac death as well as supporting the families affected, supporting their screening programme and funding research and pathology."
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Boy, 15, collapsed and died during football game at school just days after doctors wrongly diagnosed him with asthma
A TEENAGE boy who collapsed and died during a football game at school was wrongly diagnosed with asthma just days before, an inquest heard. Jake Lawler, 15, passed away after collapsing at Ashton on Mersey School in Sale, Trafford, on November 5 last year. 2 The court heard a month before his death he attended Wythenshawe Hospital complaining of shortness of breath while playing football. The inquest was told Jake, from Sale, had collapsed on the pitch on October 13, 2024. Alison Mutch, senior coroner for Manchester South, has now written in a Prevention of Future Death report. She warned how medical professionals incorrectly diagnosed the teenager with exercise induced asthma. According to the report, an "abnormal ECG" and an "exercise induced syncope episode", were not recognised or followed up on. Medical history provided by Jake's father was also "not assessed correctly". The coroner concluded the abnormal ECG in combination with the teen's collapse "should have resulted in him being referred for an inpatient paediatric review and further testing". And, when Jake was discharged, his ECG results were wrongly recorded as coming back "normal". Jake's GP prescribed him medication for the misdiagnosed asthma, but it did not seem to have any effect on the youngster. A test for asthma was also conducted five days after Jake collapsed. But the nurse referred him back to a doctor as they did not think he suffered from the condition. The 15-year-old tragically died from a biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy just a month later. The coroner wrote in her report: "It is probable that he would not have died on the day he did had the correct actions been taken. "Jake's collapse was incorrectly attributed to his exercise induced asthma." In her report, four areas of concern were highlighted to help prevent future deaths. She stated Jake's ECG results were "key warning signs" that shouldn't have been missed, whether due to training or insufficient medical equipment. Another "red flag event" laid out was "no clear national guidance" on the route to take after a paediatric exercise induced syncope. The third point spotlighted covered asthma treatment prescribed by the GP, which failed to elevate Jake's symptoms, and the asthma assessment. "Jake was assessed by his GP practice using the national asthma scoring system," wrote the coroner. "However, the scoring system does not appear to facilitate scoring for exercise induced asthma. "In Jake's case the readings and answers pointed to a well-controlled asthma. "This was at variance with the fact that his history indicated that he was continuing to struggle with his breathing when exercising and meant he did not trigger as a concern. "This was exacerbated by the normal peak flow readings taken at rest which gave a falsely reassuring picture." The coroner added there was a "lack of curiosity" and a "lack of appreciation" regarding how limiting the assessment was. "In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and I believe you and/or your organisation have the power to take such action," she continued. Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and GP Surgery have until July 4 later this year to respond to the report. Jake's school said at the time of his tragic death: "Our school community was absolutely devastated by the loss of one of our much loved and precious students, Jake Lawler, who recently passed away in tragic circumstances. "As a school, we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and continue to support our students and staff during this incredibly difficult time. "We would also like to take this opportunity to share a link to Jake's memorial fund, set up by his family to raise awareness of a very worthy cause - CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). "The money will go towards raising awareness of young sudden cardiac death as well as supporting the families affected, supporting their screening programme and funding research and pathology." What is biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy ACM is a condition where the cells in your heart muscle don't stick together properly. The walls of your heart can become weak and blood may not be pumped as well as it should. Your heart has four chambers. The top two are called the atria and the bottom two are called the ventricles. ACM can affect one or both of your ventricle chambers. Jake suffered from biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, meaning it affected both. ACM is usually a genetic condition which means if one of your parents have it, you have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that could cause ACM. ACM symptoms palpitations (a pounding or fluttering feeling in your chest or neck) feeling lightheaded fainting feeling breathless or shortness of breath abnormal heart rhythms (when your heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly) swollen ankles, legs or tummy area feeling pain or discomfort in your chest. How is ACM diagnosed? Chest x-ray Cardiac MRI scan ECG (electrocardiogram) Exercise test Echocardiogram How is ACM treated?
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Boy, 15, collapsed and died during football game at school just days after doctors wrongly diagnosed him with asthma
A TEENAGE boy who collapsed and died during a football game at school was wrongly diagnosed with asthma just days before, an inquest heard. Trafford , on November 5 last year. Advertisement 2 Jake Lawler was misdiagnosed with asthma a month before his death Credit: 2 The 15-year-old collapsed and died during a football game Credit: Facebook The court heard a month before his death he attended Wythenshawe Hospital complaining of shortness of breath while playing football. The inquest was told Jake, from Sale, had collapsed on the pitch on October 13, 2024. Alison Mutch, senior coroner for Manchester South, has now written in a Prevention of Future Death report. She warned how medical professionals incorrectly diagnosed the teenager with exercise induced asthma. Advertisement Read More According to the report, an "abnormal ECG" and an "exercise induced syncope episode", were not recognised or followed up on. Medical history provided by Jake's father was also "not assessed correctly". The coroner concluded the abnormal ECG in combination with the teen's collapse "should have resulted in him being referred for an inpatient paediatric review and further testing". And, when Jake was discharged, his ECG results were wrongly recorded as coming back "normal". Advertisement Most read in Football Jake's GP prescribed him medication for the misdiagnosed asthma, but it did not seem to have any effect on the youngster. A test for asthma was also conducted five days after Jake collapsed. But the nurse referred him back to a doctor as they did not think he suffered from the condition. The 15-year-old tragically died from a biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy just a month later. Advertisement The coroner wrote in her report: " It is probable that he would not have died on the day he did had the correct actions been taken. " Jake's collapse was incorrectly attributed to his exercise induced asthma." In her report, four areas of concern were highlighted to help prevent future deaths. She stated Jake's ECG results were "key warning signs" that shouldn't have been missed, whether due to training or insufficient medical equipment. Advertisement Another "red flag event" laid out was "no clear national guidance" on the route to take after a paediatric exercise induced syncope. The third point spotlighted covered asthma treatment prescribed by the GP, which failed to elevate Jake's symptoms, and the asthma assessment. "Jake was assessed by his GP practice using the national asthma scoring system," wrote the coroner. "However, the scoring system does not appear to facilitate scoring for exercise induced asthma. Advertisement "In Jake's case the readings and answers pointed to a well-controlled asthma. "This was at variance with the fact that his history indicated that he was continuing to struggle with his breathing when exercising and meant he did not trigger as a concern. "This was exacerbated by the normal peak flow readings taken at rest which gave a falsely reassuring picture." The coroner added there was a "lack of curiosity" and a "lack of appreciation" regarding how limiting the assessment was. Advertisement "In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and I believe you and/or your organisation have the power to take such action," she continued. Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and GP Surgery have until July 4 later this year to respond to the report. Jake's school said at the time of his tragic death: "Our school community was absolutely devastated by the loss of one of our much loved and precious students, Jake Lawler, who recently passed away in tragic circumstances. "As a school, we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and continue to support our students and staff during this incredibly difficult time. Advertisement "We would also like to take this opportunity to share a link to Jake's memorial fund, set up by his family to raise awareness of a very worthy cause - CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). "The money will go towards raising awareness of young sudden cardiac death as well as supporting the families affected, supporting their screening programme and funding research and pathology." What is biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy ACM is a condition where the cells in your heart muscle don't stick together properly. The walls of your heart can become weak and blood may not be pumped as well as it should. Your heart has four chambers. The top two are called the atria and the bottom two are called the ventricles. ACM can affect one or both of your ventricle chambers. Jake suffered from biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, meaning it affected both. ACM is usually a genetic condition which means if one of your parents have it, you have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that could cause ACM. ACM symptoms palpitations (a pounding or fluttering feeling in your chest or neck) feeling lightheaded fainting feeling breathless or shortness of breath abnormal heart rhythms (when your heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly) swollen ankles, legs or tummy area feeling pain or discomfort in your chest. How is ACM diagnosed? Chest x-ray Cardiac MRI scan ECG (electrocardiogram) Exercise test Echocardiogram How is ACM treated? Medication Pacemaker ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) Cardioversion Catheter ablation
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Schoolboy, 15, died playing football after heart condition was wrongly diagnosed as asthma by medics with 'lack of curiosity', inquest hears
A 15-year-old schoolboy collapsed and died while playing football after wrongly being diagnosed with asthma by medics with a 'lack of curiosity' an inquest has heard. 'Loved' Jake Lawler, 15, was diagnosed with the common respiratory condition after he complained of 'breathlessness' to his GP, but he actually had a rare genetic heart condition. Jake collapsed and died during a game at Ashton on Mersey School in Sale, Trafford, on November 5 last year. In the weeks before his 'tragic' death, he was taken to hospital after he passed out during a sports game - but was discharged by medics who failed to recognise he had an abnormality in his heart. Coroner Alison Mutch said the Jake's collapse was 'incorrectly attributed' to asthma rather than his heart condition and that if 'correct actions had been taken', he may not have died the following month. Now, she has issued a warning to the Department of Health and Social Care, criticising the 'lack of curiosity' shown by medics who had reviewed Jake in the time preceding his death. Ms Mutch, senior coroner for South Manchester, said the teen had been diagnosed by his GP with exercise-induced asthma and had been prescribed treatments which 'did not have any significant impact on his symptoms'. An inquest into the teenager's death was told that on October 13 last year, he collapsed while playing football and experienced a 'short period of unconsciousness'. Jake's father took him to Wythenshawe Hospital and an ECG - a test that records the electrical activity of the heart - was carried out. The coroner said this showed an abnormality which was noted by the clinician but not recognised as a 'concerning finding'. Further, it was heard that the medical history provided by Jake's father was 'not assessed correctly'. The coroner said the abnormality on the ECG combined with his collapse should have resulted in him being referred for an inpatient paediatric review and for further testing. 'It is probable that he would not have died on the day he did had the correct actions been taken,' Ms Mutch said. 'Jake's collapse was incorrectly attributed to his exercise induced asthma.' The inquest heard Jake was referred back to his GP for a review, which took place by telephone on October 14 and in person on October 18. He was referred to the asthma nurse and a test was conducted on October 31. But the nurse referred him back to the doctor and said 'they did not believe' the teenager had the respiratory condition. There was a plan to refer him to paediatrics as it was 'clear' that the diagnosis of exercise-induced asthma being the cause of his collapse was 'unlikely' and the 'working diagnosis within the discharge summary was probably incorrect'. The coroner said that the 'significance' of this was impacted by the fact the discharge summary had incorrectly described the ECG as 'normal'. The inquest heard that after the fatal collapse attempts to resuscitate Jake were unsuccessful, and he died at Wythenshawe Hospital the following day. The postmortem carried out found he had died as a consequence of having a rare heart disease known as 'biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy'. The genetic condition can cause weakened heart muscle. Returning a narrative conclusion, Ms Mutch said the teen died as a result of the condition which was 'incorrectly diagnosed in life with exercise induced asthma'. The coroner said his collapse and the abnormal ECG were 'not recognised or actioned appropriately'. Ms Mutch identified several 'matters of concern' in relation to Jake's death. In a prevention of future deaths report, she said: 'The diagnosis of exercise induced asthma appeared to be based on a history given at the early stages of his breathlessness being reported to the GP and was not revisited even when he was reporting that the classic treatments were not having a significant impact on his symptoms. 'This was compounded by the exercise induced syncope [collapsing] being incorrectly linked to asthma. 'In addition, Jake was assessed by his GP practice using the national asthma scoring system. 'However, the scoring system does not appear to facilitate scoring for exercise induced asthma.' She said that in Jake's case, his reading and answers in the scoring system pointed to him having 'a well-controlled asthma'. The coroner continued: 'This was at variance with the fact that his history indicated that he was continuing to struggle with his breathing when exercising and meant he did not trigger as a concern. 'This was exacerbated by the normal peak flow readings taken at rest which gave a falsely reassuring picture. 'A lack of curiosity, a lack of appreciation of the limitations of the national scoring system and a non-holistic approach meant that he continued to be seen as asthmatic when all his symptoms were as a result of his undiagnosed biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.' The coroner also raised concerns over how ECG readings are often 'missed or misunderstood by clinicians which means that key warning signs are missed as in Jake's case'. 'Without an improvement there will be further avoidable deaths,' she continued. 'ECGs to rule out a possible cardiac issue cannot easily be given to children in a community setting. 'Jake presented with a clear paediatric exercise induced syncope. 'The inquest was told that there is no clear national guidance on the pathway to be followed in relation to such children although medical training emphasised that this should be treated as a red flag event.' In a statement published on social media following the tragedy, Sale High School expressed support for students and staff. 'Our Sale High School community was absolutely devastated by the loss of one of our much loved and precious students, Jake Lawler, who recently passed away in tragic circumstances,' said the December 10 statement. 'As a school, we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and continue to support our students and staff during this incredibly difficult time.' The coroner issued the report to the Department of Health and Social Care, who have 56 days to respond.
