3 million Canadians have asthma—that’s 10% of the population.

There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed.

Over 500 Canadians die each year from usually preventable asthma related incidents.

You can still lead a completely normal life with asthma, with some adjustments

Chronic lung condition

Reversible reactive airway obstruction

Tightening of the muscles surrounding the bronchial passages in the lungs

Asthma is a variable condition

Can be developed at any age

Persistent/recurrent cough

Dyspnea

(shortness of breath)

Wheezing

Chest tightness

Symptoms and severity of symptoms can change over time

May not have all of the above symptoms

air trapping

Bronchoconstriction/ bronchospasm

•Occurs when exposed to a trigger

•Muscles surrounding bronchioles contract and produce excess mucus

•Airways become red, inflamed (swollen) and narrow

Asthma can’t be cured (yet!! )

Managed using medications and trigger avoidance (except for exercise!)

(This is most of the medication I’ve

taken in the past 6-7 months!)

Known as rescue, reliever and quick relief medications

Reverses symptoms fast

“Bronchodilator”

inhaled directly to the lungs

Begins working immediately, peaks at 5-10 minutes Used for sudden symptoms or to

prevent exercise induced flare-ups.

Should be carried at ALL times by ANY person with asthma

Prevents asthma symptoms from starting

Taken daily by people with persistent asthma

Brings down inflammation/treats constriction

oral corticosteroids (not the same as anabolic steroids)

Leukotriene modifier (LTRA)—alternative

or addition to corticosteroids

Corticosteroid and long-acting

bronchodilator (LABA)

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS’s)

Extrinsic (Allergic) Triggers:

Dust mites

Mould

Certain foods

Animal dander

Pollen

Intrinsic (Non-Allergic) Triggers:

Infections (cold and flu)

Cold or humid air

Intense emotions (ex. stress)

Medications (ex. aspirin)

Hormones

Air pollution

Fragrances and chemicals

Occupational irritants

Exercise

Exercise can induce asthma symptoms in people who have no other asthma triggers.

Exercise is a trigger for 90% of people with asthma.

Exercise should not be avoided, but worked with!

Breathin’ Stephen!

Preventing exercise induced flare-ups:

Don’t begin to exercise if you are already flaring!

If prescribed take medication 5-15 minutes before exercise

Warm up and cool down gradually for 10-20 minutes

If you have a flare-up, stop and take your medication, resume only when symptom-free

Used by some (usually moderate or severe) asthma patients to monitor

ongoing lung function and detect changes

•How much air is expelled in 1 exhalation

•Poor perceivers

Also known as a “spacer” or valved holding chamber (VHC)

• MDI alone fires at over 100 km/h

•Delivers medication over 100% more effectively

To a person with persistent asthma, asthma can be a lot more than a blue inhaler!

If not dealt with effectively, asthma can impact many areas of a person’s life . . . Physical, emotional and social.

Some of the time, you can coexist fairly peacefully with asthma, but others it feels as if your body is working AGAINST you instead of with you!

“Control” may be different for everybody

Except for exercise, avoid triggers as much as possible

Take/adjust medications as prescribed

Find a doctor who will help you get in control

Stay in contact with your doctor