The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise hosted their second ever free information day for public and staff to improve asthma awareness and care.
The Hospital Paediatric team will provide useful tools and techniques for asthma management.
The key points are explained by the acronym ICE: Inhaler technique, Compliance and Exacerbating triggers.
Consultant Paediatrician with Respiratory and Allergy interest Dr Muhammad Tariq said, “We are delighted to host the information day for patients, public and staff. Asthma is under-diagnosed and under-treated, creating a substantial burden to individuals and families and possibly restricting individuals’ activities for a lifetime.”
Effects of asthma in adults
“Asthma attacks cause adults to miss work and children to miss school. These dangerous and sometimes life-threatening episodes reduce the quality of life for people with asthma,” said Dr Tariq.
“The good news is that we can raise awareness about asthma and how it can be controlled. People with asthma can prevent asthma attacks if they learn how to avoid asthma triggers like tobacco smoke, mould, outdoor air pollution, and colds and flu.”
“Asthma episodes can also be prevented by using inhaled corticosteroids and other prescribed daily long-term control medicines correctly,” he added.
Ireland has the fourth highest percentage of people with asthma in the world. More than 1 person a week dies from asthma, with approximately 29 percent of asthma patients missing school or work because of their condition.
The paediatric respiratory team from Portlaoise Hospital were on hand to answer asthma related questions, provide support and advise on how asthma can be identified and treated, including identifying triggers, treating the condition effectively with medication and asthma relievers, using a peak-flow test, and putting in place an asthma plan to deal with attacks.
Services & Development for Asthma Society of Ireland Stephen Patten said, “There are approximately 5,000 asthma admissions each year in hospitals and more than 20,000 presentations annually to Emergency Departments across Ireland relating to Asthma.”
“We would encourage patients and public diagnosed with Asthma or experiencing signs or symtoms relating to Asthma to contact our Asthma Advice line 1850 44 54 64,” added Patten.
Hospital Manager Michael Knowles said, “We are delighted to host the Asthma Awareness event. It is important to engage with our hospital community on this serious health condition.
“I would like to thank the Asthma Society of Ireland for supporting this initiative and Dr Tariq and his team for their work in providing high quality service to patients in treatment and health promotion for the wider community,” he concluded.
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