Up to 90% of people with asthma may be using their inhalers incorrectly, the Asthma Society of Ireland (ASI) has warned.

Ireland currently has the fourth highest incidence of asthma in the world. Some 470,000 people here have the condition, including one in five children. However, despite the fact that inhalers are one of the most common medicines used to treat asthma, research indicates that nine in 10 people do not use them correctly.

"Wheezing, coughing and breathlessness do not need to be tolerated by people who have asthma. Asthma symptoms can be controlled and with the correct use of your medication, you can ensure that you stay fit and healthy," insisted ASI chief executive, Sharon Cosgrove.

To mark World Asthma Day, which takes place on May 7, the ASI has launched a new campaign, Let's breathe easy', in conjunction with Boots pharmacies. Asthma clinics will be in place in pharmacies in early May and as part of this, people with asthma will be offered an extended consultation with a pharmacist to review their inhaler technique.

People will also be offered a ‘Let's breathe easy' support pack, which will contain things like an information leaflet, an asthma control test and an asthma management plan.

The clinics will run from May 2-9 by appointment only, these can be made in pharmacies. The consultation is free of charge.

For more information on asthma, see our Asthma Clinic, which was developed in association with the ASI, here