Breathing Conditions / Asthma

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) inflammation of the airways that causes breathing difficulties. People with asthma have extra sensitive airways. The airways react by swelling and narrowing when they become irritated. This makes it difficult for the air to move in and out. With proper management, people with asthma can lead full and active lives.

HOW COMMON IS ASTHMA?

Approximately 20 million North Americans have asthma. Although the condition can develop at any age, it most commonly begins in childhood. Asthma affects twice as many boys as girls in childhood; more girls than boys develop asthma as teenagers, and in adulthood, the ratio becomes 1:1 males to females.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA?

Not every person with asthma has the same symptoms. You may have different symptoms at different times. The severity of asthma symptoms may also vary from one asthma episode to the next. Some people with asthma experience extended symptom-free periods, while others have some symptoms of asthma every day. Other people may only experience asthma symptoms during exercise or when they are exposed to allergens or viral respiratory tract infections. The most common symptoms of asthma include:

• Coughing, especially at night
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness, pain or pressure

WHAT CAN TRIGGER ASTHMA SYMPTOMS?

Since asthma is usually a lifelong health problem, it can help you to know what substances or activities may cause your asthma to worsen. People with asthma are sensitive to substances and activities that usually do not bother others. These are called "triggers" and can give rise to an asthma attack or asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Pollens, moulds, and animal dander are common triggers. Other factors like exercise, vigorous activity or cold air can bring on an asthma attack as well. Knowing what your triggers are can help you avoid them whenever possible.

Common factors that can trigger asthma include:
 
• Colds (viral respiratory infections)
• Vigorous exercise, particularly in the cold air
• Cigarette smoke and other forms of air pollution
• Furry or feathered pets
• Moulds and fungi
• Pollens
• Dust
• Strong smells (e.g. exhaust fumes, perfumes, cleaning products)
• Changes in the weather
• Foods such as nuts, shellfish, and those containing sulfites
• Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other similar medicines

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