What is asthma?

• A chronic inflammatory lung disorder that causes the airways to become tightened, narrowed, and inflamed.
• The airways are hyperresponsive (twitchy) to certain stimuli or triggers such as cold air, exercise or allergens.
• The airways can become obstructed due to increased inflammation, tightening, and mucus production/mucus plugging.
• The inflammation (obstruction) of the airways can usually be reversed and controlled with medication.
• Symptoms vary over time but asthma usually lasts a lifetime.
• In Canada, 1 in every 10 people has asthma.  Approximaterly 500 people a year die from asthma.  Most deaths can be prevented with proper education and management.

Asthma control is... 

• No daytime or nighttime asthma symptoms
• No need for reliever medication (or less than 3 times per week)
• No limitations to daily activities
• No missing school or work due to asthma
• Normal lung function (breathing tests)

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.

How can CCAP help?

• accept (and encourage) referrals from patients or their health care provider
• provide asthma education led by one of our Certified Respiratory Educators
• conduct full spirometry testing (breathing test) which is reviewed by a Respirologist
• help in diagnosis of asthma, achieve control of symptoms and then  maintain good control
• educate on asthma medications and demonstrate proper asthma inhaler technique
• offer participation in asthma research studies with Certified Respiratory Educators
• provide consistent follow up if necessary
• see patients in 7 community locations across Calgary

For more information on CCAP, click here to view our brochure.