Campaign set to help with asthma control

A campaign has been launched to encourage patients with asthma to visit their local pharmacist to get the most from their inhaler.
The asthma control campaign is a joint initiative between the Asthma Society of Ireland and the Irish Pharmacy Union and was launched by Health Minister Mary Harney last week.

Two out of three asthma patients do not have their symptoms under control. Poor asthma control results in 5,000 hospital admissions and 22,000 visits to emergency departments every year.
Asthma is the most common respiratory condition in Ireland, and the most chronic disease in children.
“Inhaler medication is the cornerstone of asthma management, but if patients are not using their inhalers correctly, they’re unlikely to get the full benefit from their medicine,” according to Dr Jean Holohan, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland.
The initiative is accompanied by a national radio advertising campaign. Doctors are advised to refer patients to: www.asthmasociety.ie.