Asthma deaths are climbing with one person dying every five days, experts said on Tuesday.
And two out of three people with asthma currently do not have an action plan, according to an Asthma Society survey.
CEO, Sarah O’Connor, said: “It is truly frightening that asthma deaths are on the rise in Ireland – a person now dies every five days in Ireland from asthma.
“Our Asthma Management survey highlighted a huge lack of awareness of how to manage asthma.
“The survey results showed that, in the event of an asthma attack, most people wouldn’t know the necessary steps to take to save a life.
“470,000 people in Ireland have asthma and 60% do not have their asthma in control, greatly increasing the risk of suffering a fatal asthma attack.
“Every person who has asthma should be in possession of an Asthma Action Plan, having an up-to-date plan makes it significantly less likely that a person would experience a fatal attack.
“This Asthma Awareness Week we are calling on people all over the country to put an Asthma Action Plan in place.”
Minister for Health Simon Harris added: “I am strongly supporting the Asthma Society’s campaign, encouraging people to take control of their asthma.
“Asthma management is extremely important.
“It allows people with the condition to live a longer, healthier and happier life.”
