Teaching your little one to use their inhaler correctly is vital, but sometimes no matter how much we guide and advise our children, some things simply need a little more practice and patience.
According to recent figures, two-thirds of people who suffer from asthma in Ireland are not using their inhaler correctly which leaves them vulnerable to worsening symptoms.
Commenting on this, Sharon Cosgrove, the CEO of Asthma Society of Ireland, explains: “Many people with asthma may not be aware that poor inhaler technique could be making their condition worse.”
Determined to educate Ireland’s 470,000 asthma sufferers on the importance of correct usage, the Asthma Society of Ireland and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) have launched an Inhaler Technique awareness campaign.
The initiative aims to encourage people with asthma to check that they are using their inhaler device correctly.
Explaining the importance of the campaign, Kathy Maher, President of the Irish Pharmacy Union, said: “Having the correct inhaler technique is absolutely essential for those who suffer from asthma to get the most out of their medicines and pharmacists are available to provide the support and advice necessary to ensure that this happens.
Commenting on the worrying figures, Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar said: “Ireland has a significant asthma population. For asthma sufferers, proper asthma management is key to good health and good inhaler technique is essential."
Extending his support for the campaign, he finished: "The Asthma Society’s Inhaler Technique campaign, supported by the IPU, is a great initiative and I would encourage every person with asthma to get their technique checked and get it right.”
Ireland has the fourth highest incidence of asthma in the world, with one in ten people suffering from the condition.
If you think you or your child would benefit from the campaign, pop along to your local pharmacy who will be offering a free inhaler checking service throughout the month of September.
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