IPU urge patients to check Inhaler Technique
The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, the Asthma Society of Ireland and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) have launched an ‘Inhaler Technique’ awareness campaign to encourage people with asthma to ensure that they are using their inhaler device correctly.
Two out of three of Ireland’s 470,000 people with asthma may be unknowingly aggravating their condition simply by not using their inhalers correctly. The Irish Pharmacy Union is supporting the campaign through their 1,750 member pharmacies across Ireland. Throughout the month of March all IPU pharmacies will be offering free inhaler technique advice to their customers – this is a service that Haven Pharmacy provides all year round.
Daragh Connolly, President of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) and owner of Haven Pharmacy Connollys Dungarvan said, “Pharmacists, as healthcare professionals, are ideally positioned to provide advice and assistance to people with asthma to help them gain control over their condition. Having the correct inhaler technique is absolutely essential for those who have 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. 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.”
Ireland has the fourth highest incidence of asthma in the world; one in 10 adults and one in five children have the disease. Inhalers are one of the most common devices used to treat asthma yet research shows as many as 2 in 3 people may be using their inhaler incorrectly. However, when taught the correct technique, people are able to use their inhalers more effectively with substantial benefits for their asthma control and overall health. People with asthma are advised to have the inhaler technique checked by a healthcare professional at every opportunity.
