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  • Lung Condition

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that makes your airways (breathing passages) very sensitive. Certain things can make your airways become swollen and the muscles around the airways tight, leaving you breathless.

Asthma can’t be cured, but with proper treatment people with asthma can lead normal active lives.

Chronic

Long-term but manageable condition

Any age

Can develop at any stage of life

Triggers

Inflammatory & non-inflammatory types

  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Asthma severity
  • Triggers
  • Medications
  • Asthma action plan

Symptoms

Recognizing asthma

Most people with asthma will first show symptoms when they are young. However, asthma can develop at any age. Asthma symptoms are different from person to person, and they can change over time. People with asthma often have one or more of these symptoms:

Wheezing

Chest tightness

Coughing

Feeling short of breath

  • Speak to your healthcare provider

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider. Many lung cancer symptoms resemble other conditions, but getting the proper diagnosis is imperative and can be lifesaving. Discuss your risk factors and whether further lung cancer screening is right for you.

Diagnosis

How asthma is diagnosed

An accurate diagnosis is an important first step in managing asthma and only a healthcare provider can diagnose asthma. If you suspect you have symptoms of asthma, ask your healthcare provider about next steps.

An asthma diagnosis is generally made using a medical history, a physical examination, and breathing tests.

  • Medical History A medical history will likely include questions about your past and current health related to asthma, such as common asthma symptoms and when you have them, your personal and family health history, and the environment you live in (including work and school).
    Medical History
  • Physical Examination Your healthcare provider may check for signs that you may have asthma. This might include listening to your chest, looking at your eyes and nose for signs of allergies (such as Dennie-Morgan lines, 'shiners', or a nasal crease), and looking at your skin for signs of eczema, dermatitis or hives.
    Physical Examination
  • Breathing Tests Breathing tests are the most reliable way to diagnose asthma. There are 3 common tests: spirometry, Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), and challenge tests.
    Breathing Tests

Breathing tests

Spirometry

The most preferred breathing test. A simple breathing test that measures the speed and the amount of air you can blow out of your lungs.

Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)

Involves taking in as deep a breath as possible and blowing out as hard and as fast as possible into a peak flow meter. Often used to help monitor asthma symptoms. It is not the preferred test to diagnose asthma.

Challenge Tests

Used when spirometry results are normal and asthma is still suspected. Involve trying to induce bronchospasm by inhaling methacholine or by exercising. Performed in a specialized centre where emergency care is available.

Additional Tests

Your healthcare provider might also recommend allergy testing, chest x-rays, a blood test, or a sputum (phlegm or mucus) test.

  • Take the Canadian Asthma Control Questionnaire
Many people with asthma miss work, skip sports, or wake up during the night because of symptoms. With proper care and monitoring, you can reach asthma control. If you answer YES to any of the questions in the questionnaire below, speak to your healthcare professional about the right medications for you to take control of your asthma.

Asthma severity

How asthma is classified

Asthma severity is determined based on how much medication is needed to gain asthma control. See ‘Medications’ for more information.

Mild-to-Moderate Asthma

Asthma that is well-controlled by a reliever therapy (short-acting bronchodilator or budesonide/formoterol) when needed or by low to moderate doses of controller therapy (inhaled corticosteroids).

Severe Asthma

Asthma needing high doses of controller therapy (inhaled corticosteroids) or oral corticosteroids to remain well-controlled, or asthma that is uncontrolled despite these therapies. People with severe asthma may be on additional 'add-on' therapies including leukotriene receptor agonists (LTRAs), biologics, oral corticosteroids (prednisone), and macrolides (antibiotic).

Asthma triggers are anything that make your asthma worse or causes asthma flare-ups.

Triggers

Understanding your triggers

Triggers can be categorized into two different groups:

Inflammatory triggers (allergens)

Cause mucous in the airways and muscle tightening around the airways. Generally last longer, may not cause symptoms until hours after exposure, and are more difficult to treat.

  • Dust mites
  • Moulds
  • Pollen
  • Animals & pet dander
  • Food allergies & sulphites
  • Cockroaches

Non-inflammatory triggers (irritants)

Cause muscle tightening around the airways only. Have a more immediate response, are shorter-lived, and are treated by removing the trigger and using reliever medication.

  • Weather & cold air
  • Physical activity
  • Strong fumes & tobacco smoke
  • Viral infections
  • Medications & hormonal changes
  • Workplace chemicals

Recognize and avoid your triggers

It helps to pay attention to when and where your asthma symptoms worsen. Is it when the air is cold? When you are near your neighbour’s cat? Paying attention to your symptoms will give you clues about your triggers. Try using an asthma diary to keep track of your symptoms and your surroundings. Show your asthma diary to your healthcare provider or Certified Respiratory Educator for more help.

Continued exposure to triggers can worsen swelling in the airway and contribute to poor asthma control. Recognizing your asthma triggers and avoiding them as much as possible is key in best managing your asthma.

Medications

Asthma medications

There are two types of asthma medications:

Controller medications

Used daily to control and prevent asthma symptoms.

Reliever medications

Taken as needed to quickly relieve asthma symptoms.

To get the full benefit from your medication, you must follow the healthcare provider’s instructions and take the medications exactly as prescribed.

Keep a list of all the medications you take and show it to your healthcare providers and pharmacist, so they can check for drug interactions.

Asthma action plan

Be prepared for an emergency

It is helpful to have an action plan in case of emergency. Complete a personalized Asthma Action Plan with your healthcare provider and refer to it if your symptoms worsen. Download an Asthma Action Plan” ASTHMA ACTION PLAN

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