4,062 asthmatics in Roscommon are not using their inhalers correctly, leaving them at risk of a serious asthma attack and even death, according to the Asthma Society of Ireland.
Currently there are 6,154 people with asthma in Roscommon. Two-thirds of those don’t use their inhaler correctly.
The Society has teamed up with Boots Ireland for World Asthma Day (2 May 2017) and Asthma Week (1-8 May 2017).
To mark the awareness week, Boots is providing free ‘Let’s Breathe Easy’ asthma consultations and support packs in its 83 pharmacies throughout the country during the month of May.
According to the CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, Averil Power “up to 60 per cent of all asthmatics don’t use their inhalers correctly and so don’t have their asthma under control.”
She adds: “As a result, someone ends up in A&E every 26 minutes with a serious asthma attack and 50 people die each year from the condition. Tragically, the vast majority of these deaths could be prevented through proper asthma management. This partnership with Boots will provide asthmatics of all ages with an excellent opportunity to discuss their asthma with a pharmacist and get advice on how to manage it better.”
Minister for Health Simon Harris, is also encouraging people to take the opportunity to have their asthma management checked this World Asthma Day.
According to the Minister: “With proper management, people with asthma can live full lives, symptom-free. However, poor asthma control leaves them at risk of having a serious attack at any time. I would encourage everyone with asthma to avail of the advice of their pharmacist to ensure they are taking their inhalers correctly and managing their asthma to the best effect.”
