About 3 million Canadians of all ages have been diagnosed with asthma. The good news is that asthma can be treated and managed – it doesn't have to control your life.
Asthma affects the airways (breathing passages) in the lungs. If you have asthma, your airways are extra sensitive. When you are around certain things such as smoke, pollen, or dust, or if you have a viral infection like a cold, your airways can become swollen and red. This can result in breathing problems like:
- coughing
- wheezing
- shortness of breath.
Asthma can be different for children than adults. Regardless of age, not all people will have the same symptoms and require the same treatment.
Find out more about asthma:
- what is asthma?
- road map to asthma control
- what about triggers?
- asthma and exercise
- action/management plan
- medications
- breathing devices
- quit smoking
Did you know?
- 10 to 15% of Canadian children have asthma (2 out of 30 children in a classroom.)
- Asthma is the leading chronic condition in children – the most common childhood illness after the common cold.
- Uncontrolled asthma is the leading cause of being absent from school or work and hospital visits.
Asthma Alert Form
This 2-page Asthma Alert Form (PDF) is an important way that parents of a child with asthma can communicate with teachers, schools and care providers. The first page contains information about how a child's asthma can be managed every day and how to avoid triggering symptoms. The second page gives advice on what to do if asthma symptoms get worse and how to deal with an asthma emergency.
Living well with asthma:Talk with your health care provider to learn how YOU can live well with asthma!
E-mail this page
Print this page
