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ASI advice for the 12,408 people
with asthma in Donegal
16.03.20
THE Asthma Society of
Ireland (ASI) is advising people in Inishowen with
asthma to be extra vigilant in their asthma
management and follow the advice set out by the HSE,
amidst growing coronavirus concerns.
Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Asthma Society, said: “We
have been inundated with calls from individuals with
asthma and COPD who are extremely worried about how
coronavirus will affect them if they get it and what
additional precautions they can take to minimise
their chances of contracting the virus.
Unfortunately, international data indicates if
people with asthma and other respiratory conditions
contract coronavirus, the health impact can be more
severe; they are more likely to experience
complications and to need hospital treatment.
The Asthma Society has been liaising continuously
with the HSE over the past number of weeks in
relation to this healthcare challenge. We have
communicated to the HSE the needs and very acute
concerns of respiratory patients. We welcome
increased engagement from the HSE with patient
organisations in the last 24 hours and updated
advice that has been provided for people in
vulnerable groups, such as those with a long-term
respiratory illness.
We have urged the HSE to develop specific COVID-19
advice for people with long-term respiratory
illnesses, as has already been created for other
disease areas, like cancer. People need to know that
they are doing everything in their power to manage
their illness and protect themselves from
coronavirus. They also need reassurance that they
will receive the healthcare they need and that
employers will recognise their particular
vulnerability at this time. Healthcare professionals
also need leadership on clinical best practice. This
guidance is best provided by the HSE." |
Sarah concluded: "We
are extending the hours of our COPD and Asthma
Adviceline to meet increased demand – this free
service is available on 1800 44 54 64 – and we will
do everything we can to continue to inform, support,
advise and reassure people with asthma or COPD and
their families on our website, social media channels
and through our other services. Our website –
www.asthma.ie –
includes the most up-to-date information available
to us on how best to manage respiratory conditions
and coronavirus and this will be updated regularly.
In the absence of more detailed advice specific to
people with long-term respiratory illnesses, the
Asthma Society has developed a Frequently Asked
Questions section on coronavirus for asthma and COPD
patients in particular. This can be found on our
website."
At the moment, the most important thing that people
with asthma or COPD can do is to ensure that their
underlying condition is well managed, which is
detailed below and on our website. The HSE has
advised people from vulnerable groups, which
includes people with a long-term respiratory
illness, to ‘self-separate’. The Asthma Society is
strongly recommending that patients, their carers
and close family and friends closely follow the
HSE’s advice on how to avoid spreading the virus."
Top tips for managing your asthma:
• Take your preventer inhaler as prescribed. This
will decrease your risk suffering an asthma attack
and reduce your asthma symptoms. Check out the
Asthma Society’s information on preventer inhalers
here and our recent SafetyCare campaign here
• Have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan which will
help you recognise when your asthma is deteriorating
– download one here
• Have an up-to-date Communications Card which will
help you manage your COPD – download one here
• Always carry your reliever inhaler (usually blue)
with you in case of an asthma emergency – reliever
inhaler over-reliance
• Know the 5 Step Rule – which will help you manage
an asthma attack if one occurs – download our Asthma
Attack Card here
• Know your asthma triggers in order to avoid them
where possible – check out our information on asthma
triggers here
• Ensure you are practicing proper inhaler technique
– check our Inhaler Technique page for
demonstrations of all the inhalers on the Irish
market here
• If your inhaler requires a spacer, we recommend
you use one to ensure best medication delivery –
check out our information on spacer usage here
• Do not smoke and avoid areas where smoke is
present if possible
• If you feel like your symptoms are deteriorating,
or if you are experiencing a “new” fever or “new”
cough - call your GP as soon as possible and they
will support and advise you
• Get your prescription filled to ensure you have
enough medication for one month – the Department of
Health and Irish Pharmacy Union have assured us that
there is no need to stock up beyond that |
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