What is Asthma?

• Asthma is a chronic* disease of the airways in the lungs.
• The inside of the airways are sensitive and always a little swollen.
• Common things that trigger asthma include colds, tobacco smoke and allergies.
• There is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled.

*Chronic means it is always there even when there are no symptoms.

 

How Do You Get Asthma?

• Asthma tends to run in families.
• The risks for developing asthma increase if:
  • a parent, brother or sister have asthma or allergies.
  • the child has allergic skin problems (eczema) or other allergies.

 

What Are Asthma Symptoms?

• Cough
• Wheeze (whistling noise in the chest)
• Feeling short of breath
• Chest tightness

Asthma symptoms can change from one flare-up to the next.

Asthma may seem mild. But, having symptoms at night, even once a week, is a concern.

 

What Happens in Your Lungs?

Asthma symptoms happen when:

• the muscles around the outside of the airways tighten 
• the inside of the airways become more swollen 
• extra mucous is produced

 

How Can Asthma Be Controlled?

• Know your asthma triggers and stay away from them.
• Know the signs of worsening asthma (eg. getting a cold).
• Know what asthma medicines do and learn how to use them.
• Work with your doctor to complete a written Asthma Action Plan. It tells you what to do when your asthma is under control and what to do when you have asthma problems.
• Work with an asthma educator to learn more about controlling asthma. Contact your local Lung Association to find an educator in your area.
• See your doctor at least twice a year even if asthma is under control.

 

Good Asthma Control is:

• Normal Activity
• Normal Sleep
• No daytime asthma symptoms 
• No need for Reliever medicine 
• No emergency visits for asthma
• No missed school or daycare

 

Asthma Facts

• Asthma can develop at any age, but is more common in childhood.
• Children with asthma can lead healthy lives.
• The number of children with asthma has increased in the past 30 years.
• Up to 15% of Canadian children have asthma.
• Asthma may be different for each person.
• Allergies are a problem for 3 out of 4 children who have asthma.
• Asthma is present even when symptoms are few or absent.
• Asthma symptoms may seem better in the teen years, but can return later in life.

 

Asthma Allie says:

"Take control of your asthma!"

The Children's Allergy & Asthma Education Centre ©2014