As many as two-thirds of people with asthma in Ireland could be making their condition worse by not using their inhalers correctly, the Asthma Society of Ireland (ASI) has warned.

It has just launched a major campaign in conjunction with the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), to encourage people to ensure they are using their inhaler correctly.

Ireland has the fourth highest incidence of asthma - an inflammatory lung condition - in the world. Around 470,000 people in Ireland are affected, including one in five children. Symptoms are alleviated by medication that is usually delivered through inhaler devices.

However the ASI estimates that over 300,000 people with asthma do not consistently use their inhalers correctly, which means that they are only getting some of the medication they need. This can lead to poor control of symptoms.

As part of the Inhaler Technique awareness campaign, the ASI has created 22 new training videos that cover every device available on the Irish market. These videos provide simple and straight forward instructions on how to use inhalers and are free to access here

"Many people with asthma may not be aware that poor inhaler technique could be making their condition worse. So we have created a range of information videos to help anyone in Ireland with asthma check that they are using their device correctly and getting the full benefit of it.

"With new types of inhalers having come onto the market, there is a real need for these videos which are short, easy to understand and we feel will be of real benefit to anyone with, or caring for someone with asthma," explained ASI chief executive, Sharon Cosgrove.

The campaign will also see IPU pharmacies offering a free inhaler checking service throughout the month of September, to help people get the most out of their medication.

"Pharmacists are ideally positioned to provide advice and assistance to people with asthma to help them gain control over their condition. We would encourage people with asthma to bring their inhalers to their local pharmacy and the pharmacist will be able to provide them with the practical advice they need for using their inhalers properly," noted IPU president, Kathy Maher.

Commenting on the new campaign, Health Minister, Leo Varadkar, emphaised that proper asthma management ‘is key to good health'.

"This is a great initiative and I would encourage every person with asthma to get their technique checked and get it right," he said.

The videos can be viewed here or for more general advice on asthma, click here or see our Asthma Clinic in association with the ASI here