Asthma
Approximately 3 million
Canadians have asthma
(The Lung Association, 2012)
Have you ever thought about your breathing? On
average, adults take approximately 15 breaths per
minute. When you breathe in, oxygen is delivered
to every cell in your body. When you exhale, carbon
dioxide is removed from your body. Breathing is an
involuntary action, meaning we do it without having to
think about it.
However, for people with asthma, this process isn’t as easy.
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease in which the
branches of the airways, known as bronchi, are very sensitive
and can become swollen or inflamed. The swelling narrows
the path air travels through, making it difficult to get enough
oxygen to the body.
By identifying triggers, you can do your best
to remove or avoid them.
Diagnosing Asthma
Only your health care provider (HCP) can
diagnose asthma. If you’ve been experiencing
breathing difficulties (see the Common
Symptoms list below), make an appointment
with your HCP and explain your symptoms.
Your HCP will take a detailed medical history
and do a physical exam to listen to your lungs.
They may also test your breathing with a
spirometer. Spirometry is a simple breathing
test which measures how much air you can blow
out of your lungs. Additionally, chest
x-rays and allergy tests may
be ordered to rule out other
medical conditions before
Asthma can
diagnosing asthma.
be diagnosed
at any age,
but is most
commonly
diagnosed
during
childhood.
Common symptoms
of asthma include:
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Tightness
in the chest
• Wheezing or
whistling in the chest
Controlling Asthma
While there’s no cure for asthma, those with the condition can work
with their HCP to control it. To manage asthma, there are two forms of
medications: preventers and relievers. Medication can either be inhaled or
swallowed, but the preferred method is an inhaler, as this type of medication
goes directly to the lungs, where it’s needed.
Preventers are used every day, even if symptoms aren’t occurring. This
medication helps to prevent swelling and mucus build-up, and with regular
long-term use, will help minimize symptoms.
On the other hand, relievers are used only when needed, such as before
exercising, if breathing becomes difficult, or during an asthma attack. This
medication is fast-acting to reduce symptoms on the spot, but should never
be used in place of your preventer medication.
It’s important to know exactly how to use your inhalers to get the best
results. Your HCP will work with you to decide which medications are
best, and you might have to try a few
different types to find the best one for
you. In addition to medication, it’s
important to understand what triggers
your symptoms. By identifying triggers,
you can do your best to remove or avoid
them, further controlling your asthma.
KEY REFERENCES:
Asthma Society of Canada. (n.d.). Asthma facts and statistics. Retrieved from
http://www.asthma.ca/corp/newsroom/pdf/asthmastats.pdf
The Lung Association. (2012). The challenge of lung disease in Canada. Retrieved from
http://www.lung.ca/involved-impliquez/federalelection-electionfederale/background-contexte/index_e.php
The Lung Association. (n.d.). Asthma handbook. Retrieved from http://www.lung.ca/pdf/handbook_web.pdf
Asthma triggers can be grouped
into two categories: allergens and
irritants. Allergens only affect people
who are allergic to them (e.g.,
dust mites, pet fur, dander, pollen)
whereas irritants can affect anyone
(e.g., tobacco smoke, air pollutions,
strongly scented products).
Recognizing and avoiding your
triggers can go a long way towards
controlling and reducing asthma
symptoms or attacks.
Asthma Attacks
When people with asthma are exposed to triggers, an
asthma attack can occur. During an attack, the muscles
around the bronchi tubes tighten, causing the airway
to become narrower. Also, mucus is produced in the
bronchi, further blocking airflow. The trigger can cause
these reactions immediately as well as a few hours later.
It’s important to always have your reliever medication
with you.
If you experience an asthma attack, stay calm. The
reliever medication should be used at the first sign of
symptoms and you should stay in an upright, seated
position to help airflow. If there’s no improvement,
continue to take your reliever medication as prescribed.
If there’s still no improvement, call 9-1-1. It’s important
to stay calm and take slow, steady breaths.
If you experience an asthma attack, stay calm.
Exercise Induced Asthma
When asthma is well controlled,
exercise is safe and recommended
for health benefits.
When exercising, you tend to breathe more through your mouth,
taking in more air which may be cold or dry, triggering asthma
symptoms. If you’re being active outdoors in cool temperatures,
focus on breathing through your nose, and try covering your nose and
mouth with a loose scarf to warm the air before breathing in. When
exercising, always be sure to warm up slowly, cool down gradually,
and keep your reliever medication close by.
While asthma is a chronic disease, proper
management can help you control the symptoms.
Work with your HCP to figure out the best plan so
you can continue to lead a healthy, active life.
© Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, January 2015.