Living with Asthma

If you have asthma you're not alone. About 3 million Canadians and 300 million people worldwide also have asthma, including top athletes and celebrities. If you manage your asthma well, asthma doesn't have to limit what you can do.

See your doctor regularly

When you are first diagnosed with asthma, your doctor will probably prescribe asthma medicines. Today's asthma treatments focus on preventing asthma symptoms and asthma attacks. Asthma is not the same for everyone, so you'll need to work with your doctor to figure out which treatments work best for you.

Understand your medicines

Before leaving your doctor's office, make sure you understand your treatment plan. If not, ask questions. Asthma medicines can be confusing and are often not used correctly, so ask your doctor for an Asthma Action Plan. It will help.

Avoid your triggers

Find out what makes your asthma worse, for example pets, smoke or pollen, and try and stay away from these triggers. You'll keep your lungs healthy and need less medicine if you avoid your triggers.

Take control

About 60% of Canadians live with uncontrolled asthma. Don't be one of them. Many people's asthma is out of control because they don't understand how to manage it. If you don't think your asthma is under control, ask questions and contact your doctor or Certified Asthma Educator.

Is asthma dangerous?

Asthma should be taken seriously. Asthma attacks can be dangerous, but you can avoid them if you know how to manage your asthma. Pay attention to signs your asthma might be getting worse, take control and you'll stay healthy.

Signs that your asthma is not under control:

• Your symptoms increase - coughing, shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest, wheezing, or mucus.
• You need your reliever medicine (usually a blue puffer) more often. If your asthma is under control, you shouldn't need your blue inhaler more than three times per week
• You wake up at night with asthma symptoms.
• Your peak flow readings drop. A peak flow meter is a small plastic device that measures how quickly you blow air out of your lungs.

If your asthma isn't under control, let your parents know (or teachers if you're at school), and see your doctor.

Your goal is to be symptom-free almost all the time, and to be able to do what other people do. Don't let asthma limit you.

Learn about asthma

Find out more by checking out this and other websites , or by talking to your doctor, a Certified Asthma Educator, a pharmacist or your parents. You can submit your asthma questions online or call the toll-free Asthma Action Helpline at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864).