Ireland has the fourth highest incidence of asthma in the world with approximately 470,000 people living with asthma, of which 60 per cent (282,000 people ) do not have their symptoms controlled.
This chronic disease is costing the country €533 million per year yet this could be improved with better adherence to asthma management guidelines. In response to this, the Asthma Society of Ireland has launched Asthma Coach, a new free app for iPhones and mobile website for all Smartphone devices aimed at helping people better manage their symptoms. See www.asthmasociety.ie for more information.
The app allows users to record and track their asthma symptoms, medication usage, and peak flow to help them control their condition. Users may also share the diary and a graph of their asthma activities with their healthcare professional if they wish.
