Asthma

What Is Asthma?	What are the symptoms?
How can I control it?	How can CCAP help?

What is asthma?

In Canada, I in every 10 people has asthma
A chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes the airways to tighten
This obstruction (inflammation) of the airways can usually be reversed with medication
Tightening of the airways can be caused by many different triggers
Asthma usually lasts a lifetime, but can be variable
Asthma can be controlled, if managed properly

What are the symptoms?

Shortness of breath
Cough
Wheeze
Tight feeling in the chest

What does control mean?

Doing normal, every day activities without any problem

Sleeping through the night

Using reliever medication two or less times a week (except before exercise)

Having few, if any, acute asthma attacks

To understand if you have asthma or if your asthma is under control, take "The 30 Second Asthma Test". Print out a copy by clicking here. Answer the questions and then take it with you to discuss with your health care provider.

What makes asthma symptoms appear?

Aeroallergens such as: animal dander, pollen, mold and house dust mite.
Occupational allergens such as: flour, latex, red cedar dust and many more
Infections/colds/viruses
Second hand tobacco smoke
Pollution
Some foods such as peanut and seafood

Physical activity
Cold, dry air
Certain drugs: Aspirin, ibuprofen
Infections, colds and viruses
Tobacco Smoke (including passive exposure [other people smoking])
Certain weather conditions: fog, thunderstorms, high ozone levels
Strong emotions such as crying, laughing and stress
Strong odours (sprays, perfume, paint, aerosols)
House dust and house-dust mites
Hormonal changes in women: pregnancy
Animal allergens (cats, dogs, rabbits, horses)
Food additives/preservatives: MSG, sulphites
Pollen from trees, grass and weeds
Air pollutants
Exercise
Mould

Medications for Asthma

Click here to view a list of medications for asthma

Asthma Device Illustrations

There are four different types of devices for asthma medications and each of these devices need to be used properly in order for your lungs to receive the medication. Click here to view device demonstration instructions on the following devices:

Handihaler
MDI
Diskus
Turbuhaler

How can CCAP help?

CCAP can help in many ways. We:

accept (and encourage) referrals from patients themselves or your physician
provide asthma education led by one of our certified respiratory educators
provide consistent follow up
see patients in 6 community locations across Calgary
help manage and bring asthma under control
conduct full spirometry testing (breathing test) which is reviewed by a Respirologist
demonstrate proper asthma inhaler technique
offer participation in asthma research studies with Certified Respiratory Educators


	Patient Resources for Asthma Click on the image to download the item.
	To understand if you have asthma or if your asthma is under control, take "The 30 Second Asthma Test".
	Following an Asthma Action Plan will help control your asthma. Download a copy here from the COPD and Asthyma Network of Alberta (CANA), print it and bring with you to your next doctor's appointment.
	If you wish to be seen by a Certified Respiratory Educator, print this referral form and either complete and fax it in yourself or ask your physician to complete and fax it in.
	This medication sheet gives a complete overview of the different types of medication available for the treatment of asthma.
	To ensure proper inhaler technique, print this one page illustration.
	Breathe Well Magazine features an article on the differences of COPD and Asthma.


	Patient Websites for Asthma Click on the image to download the item.
	Allergy/Asthma Information Association is the only national, non-profit organization providing information for both allergy and asthma.
	The Calgary Allergy Network has a great links page and although the site may not be flashy, but it is very well managed.
	Canadian content offering patient-friendly resources.
	Raising public awareness of asthma is the primary concern of this group, GINA.
	Pediatric asthma site with information and resources for parents and kids (some translated into 11 languages). Little asthma story, demo device videos great for kids.
	Canadian electronic magazine offering consumer information on serious food allergies, asthma and environmental allergies.