· The airways are sensitive and always a little swollen. 

· Common things that trigger asthma include colds, tobacco smoke and allergies.  

· There is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled.  

How Do You Get Asthma? 

· You cannot catch asthma from someone else. 

· Asthma tends to run in families. 

· Some chest infections in early childhood may help to “turn on” asthma. 

· The risks for developing asthma increase if:

· your parents, brothers or sisters have asthma or allergies

· you have allergic skin problems (eczema) or other allergies 

What Are Asthma Symptoms? 

· Cough  

· Wheeze -whistling noise in the chest 

· Chest tightness 

· Feeling short of breath 

· Asthma may seem mild, but having symptoms at night, even once a week, is a concern.  

What Happens in Your Lungs? 

· Asthma symptoms happen when the muscles around the outside of the airways tighten and the inside of the airways become more swollen and make extra mucous. 

How Can Asthma Be Controlled? 

· See your doctor at least twice a year, even when well. 

· Work with your doctor to complete a written Asthma Action Plan.  It tells you what to do when your asthma is under control and what to do when you have asthma problems.

· Work with an asthma educator to learn more about controlling asthma.  Contact your local Lung Association to find an educator in your area.

· Know your asthma triggers and stay away from them.

· Know the signs of worsening asthma. (eg. getting a cold) 

· Know what your asthma medicines do and learn how to use them.

Good Asthma Control is: 

· Normal Activity

· Normal Sleep

· Daytime asthma symptoms no more than 3 times a week

· Reliever medicine used no more than 3 times a week for symptoms

· No emergency visits for asthma

· No missed school/daycare for asthma 

Asthma Facts 

· Children with asthma can lead normal lives. 

· The number of children with asthma has increased in the past 30 years. 

· Up to 20% of Canadian children have asthma. 

· Asthma may be different for each person. 

· Allergies are a problem for 3 out of 4  children who have asthma. 

· Asthma can develop at any age, but is most common in childhood. 

· Asthma is present even when symptoms are few or absent. 

· Asthma symptoms may seem better in the teen years, but can return later in life.   

The Children's Asthma Education Centre ©2007