Asthma specialists are concerned at how many people with the condition, both adults and children, fail to get the full benefit of their medication because they do not use their inhaler correctly.

They offer this simple tip:

• When using an asthma inhaler stand in front of the mirror.
• After the drug has been released, carry on breathing in and hold your breath as long as you comfortably can, then breathe out slowly.
• If you see mist coming from the top of the inhaler or from your mouth or your nostrils, you are not inhaling all the dose.