A BARRY pharmacy will be holding a series of support clinics offering people with asthma advice and guidance on proper inhaler techniques.

Evans Pharmacy Group, on Park Crescent, has launched the campaign following a report to the British Thoracic Society, in partnership with Asthma UK, which said that proper inhaler technique was a critical step in asthma care.

Research suggests correct inhaler use can radically improve treatment, reduce attacks and hospital admissions.

The director of Evans Pharmacy, Dr Mo Nazemi, said: “Proper inhaler technique is far too often overlooked but it can be the difference between a mild and a severe attack. During an asthma attack the muscles surrounding the airways tighten making it difficult to breath. Inhalers work by releasing a short acting beta2-agonist, relaxing the muscles surrounding the narrowed airway, allowing them to open wider. However, if the inhaler is not correctly applied, the full relaxing effect cannot be achieved.

“When you look at access to asthma support services a recent report released by Asthma UK in 2014 found that 86 per cent of sufferers in Wales did not feel they were able to access appropriate care, that’s the joint worst results in the UK.

“We are looking to address this by holding an open door policy this month. Anyone wishing to get training in proper inhaler technique, along with a discussion of what triggers their attacks can simply pop along to one of nominated pharmacies across south and west Wales and get the help they need.”

The campaign was welcomed by newly re-elected Vale AM Jane Hutt.

She said: “I am delighted that Evans Pharmacy is taking the initiative by offering customers advice on asthma, and I look forward to seeing it implemented in Barry in the near future.”

For information visit evanspharmacy.wales/ or call 029 2075 4518.