• Take your preventer inhaler as prescribed. This will decrease your risk suffering an asthma attack or COPD exacerbation and reduce your respiratory symptoms. Check out the Asthma Society’s information on preventer inhalers 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 a respiratory emergency – check out our recent SafetyCare campaign helping you recognise if you are over-reliant on your reliever campaign
  • 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 or COPD triggers in order to avoid them where possible – check out our information on respiratory triggers here
  • Ensure you are practicing proper inhaler technique and getting the full impact of your medication – 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 smoting in the home while self-isolating, 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 reassured us that there is no need to stock up beyond that