What
You Need To Know
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung
condition that makes breathing difficult when the airways
react to certain triggers or inducers causing airways to
tighten, swell and fill with mucus.
Breathe
a little easier
People with
asthma can breathe a little easier knowing that there are
actions they can take to manage their health with a goal
to leading a normal lifestyle.
| You can ask
yourself the following questions to determine if
your asthma is adequately controlled: 1. Do you cough, wheeze or
have a tight chest because of your asthma?
2. Do coughing,
wheezing or chest tightness wake you at night?
3. Do you stop
exercising because of your asthma?
4. Do you ever
miss work or school because of your asthma?
5. Do you use your
blue inhaler more than 3 times a week?
|
If you
answered 'yes' to one or more questions, your asthma may
be considered poorly controlled. Be sure to take your
results to your doctor on your next visit.
Triggers/Inducers
Exercise
and Play
Stay physically fit and increase lung capacity
with exercise.
Warming up can reduce symptoms.
Emotions
Excitement, anger, fear and laughter can cause
symptoms when the asthma is not well-controlled.
Environmental
If you have asthma, do not smoke.
On very cold days, avoid exercising outdoors.
Avoid household sprays and polishes.
Cold or viral
infections
Consider an annual flu shot.
Speak to your doctor about increasing controller
medication.
Dust and dust
mites
Wash bedding in hot water weekly.
Wrap mattresses and pillows in allergy-proof covers.
Remove carpets from bedrooms.
Pets
Keep the bedroom a "pet free" zone.
If possible, remove the pet from the home.
Mould and pollen
Keep windows and doors closed.
Stay indoors if the pollen count is high.
Do not hang your laundry out to dry.
Medications
Asthma is
currently treated with a variety of medications.
Medications are taken either by mouth or inhaled directly
into the lungs.
Quick Reliever
(Short-acting Bronchodilator)
Relieves symptoms in minutes and relaxes, the
airway muscles.
Used during asthma attacks, before exercise or exposure
to cold temperatures.
Controller (Not
for immediate relief)
Prevents and reduces inflammation, swelling and
build-up of mucus.
Additional
Medications (Long-acting Bronchodilator) Not for
immediate relief.
Provides additional relief in about 20 minutes.
Prevents coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath.
Provides longer relief from symptoms.
Self
Care
Take your
medications as prescribed even if you feel well. Use
devices such as spacers if you have difficulty getting
the medication from an aerosol inhaler. Other inhaler
options are available to suit your specific needs which
you can discuss with your doctor or PharmAssist(tm)
pharmacist.
Monitor your peak flow. A
peak flow meter can help you manage moderate to severe
asthma. This easy-to-use device measures how well air
moves out of your lungs.
 The information in this publication is presented as an educational
service. It is not intended as a substitute for medical
advice from your physician.
Your PharmAssist(tm)
pharmacist is available to discuss any questions or
concerns you may have. To locate the PharmAssist(tm)
pharmacist nearest you, please call 1-877-378-4100 or
e-mail: pharmacist@pharmassist.ca
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