What is Asthma?
Asthma is a lung condition characterized by difficulty breathing. An asthma episode can range from mild to life threatening. A person with asthma will experience narrowing of the airways in one of two ways. The airways in the lungs can become swollen and plugged with mucus, making the openings smaller. This narrowing can last a few hours to a few days. The second way airways become narrow is when the muscles in the walls of the lungs tighten and go into spasm. This is known as bronchoconstriction.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Asthma?
- A severe cough.
- Feeling winded or short of breath.
- Chest tightness.
- Noisy breathing with a wheezy sound.
- Irritation of the lungs from a variety of factors i.e. cold air, cigarette smoke, perfumes, exercise.
Am I at Risk?
The exact cause of asthma is not known, but you may be more at risk if:
- You have allergic reactions or develop bronchitis.
- You are a young male or adult woman. (Asthma is more common in young boys than young girls and in adult women than men).
- You have a parent with asthma.
- You had solid food at an early age. (Children who are breast-fed have a lower risk of developing asthma).
- And...you are sensitive to triggers in your environment. Triggers are factors that make asthma worse. An individuals' triggers may change over time.
- Triggers can be allergic. These are usually found in the air or in food and include pets, dust, moulds, pollen, food and additives.
- Triggers could be non-allergic. These include colds, second-hand smoke, exercise, weather changes, air pollution and chemical irritants such as hairspray, pesticides, paint and perfumes.
How do I Prevent getting Asthma?
- New mothers are encouraged to breastfeed for at least 4 - 6 months.
- Wait until at least 6 months of age to introduce solid food.
- Choose a healthy lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet following Canada's Food Guide. A diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids (derived from oily fish) and low in salt may help. Make physical activity part of your day.
- Reduce exposure to tobacco smoke.
- Reduce exposure to indoor allergens and irritants. Clean regularly including vacuuming, damp mopping and dusting. Eliminate dust mites in bedrooms by using mattress and pillow covers and washing bedding regularly.
- Minimize carpets, curtains, stuffed toys and other dust collectors in homes, schools and day cares.
- Keep outdoor activity to a minimum during days of high pollution.
- Pregnant women should avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.
Controlling Asthma
Management of asthma involves the person with asthma, the family and the physician.
- Learn about asthma and how to keep it under control.
- Avoid triggers.
- Avoid smoking and smoke-filled environments.
- Use medication as directed by your doctor.
- Watch for signs of asthma, the effectiveness of your medication and measure lung function using a peak flow meter available from your pharmacist. (A peak flow meter measures the amount of air you have in your lungs).
Asthma is not under control if:
- Medication is required more often.
- You wake up at night with coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath.
- In the early morning you experience wheezing, coughing or chest tightness even with regular treatment.
- Daily activities are limited or interfered with as a result of difficulty breathing.
- Peak flow meter shows lower levels of air in your lungs.
Asthma is under control if:
- Symptoms occur on 3 or less days per week.
- You don't miss work or school due to asthma and have a normal ability to exercise.
- You need 3 or less doses per week of reliever medication.
- You don't experience periods of worsening asthma.
- Nightime symptoms occur no more than 1 night every 2 weeks.
- Peak flow readings are within normal range; determine with your physician.
For more Information on Asthma
Asthma Action Helpline
1-800-668-7682
Allergy and Asthma Information Allergy and Asthma Information Association
130 Bridgeland Ave., Suite 424
Toronto Ontario M6A 1Z4
(416)783-8944
Oxford Lung Association
18 Light Street
Woodstock, Ontario N4S-6G8
(519)539-3101
