The South Eastern Trust is marking World Asthma Day 2026, highlighting the urgent need to ensure that everyone living with Asthma has access to the right treatment.
Now in its 28th year, the theme for 2026 focuses on improving access to anti-inflammatory inhalers, recognised as an essential, life-saving treatment for people with Asthma.
Based in the Respiratory Hub at the Ulster Hospital, Respiratory Nurse Specialist, Kevin O’Brien emphasised that Asthma is a common but serious condition that requires careful management.
Kevin said, “Asthma is not just a tight chest or wheeze. Asthma is a common condition and we need to ensure that people know how to look after it and have access to the correct treatment.
“Over 260 million people live globally with Asthma. In Northern Ireland, around 40 people die each year from Asthma, however, most of these deaths are preventable with the right inhaler treatment.”
Kevin highlighted the scale of the condition locally, noting that over 131,000 people in Northern Ireland have been diagnosed with Asthma, equating to one in 16 adults and one in 11 children.
Kevin added, “There is the potential for a life-changing Asthma attack every ten seconds. We work to make sure people are accurately diagnosed, understand their condition, know what medication they should use and most importantly how to use it properly.
“A key myth is that ‘reliever inhalers’ treat the condition. While they do open the airways temporarily, they do not treat the underlying chronic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory inhalers are vital because they treat the root cause of Asthma, reduce attacks and they are an essential, life-saving treatment.
Kevin continued, “We would ask our patients to engage with their healthcare provider and ask, ‘Am I on an anti-inflammatory inhaler?’ Asthma awareness is being highlighted through initiatives such as a world-wide day of recognition and our message is very much that we are here to reassure our patients.
“Breathing should never depend on where you live or what you can afford. Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers is essential Asthma care.”