Asthma is a chronic lung disease, which means it never really goes away.

Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.

The airways or breathing tubes in the lungs are always a little swollen and “twitchy”.

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

How Do You Get Asthma?

• Asthma tends to run in families.
  
  
• Some chest infections in early childhood may help to “turn on” asthma.
  
  
• The risks for developing asthma increases if:
  
  
  • your parents, brothers or sisters have asthma or allergies.
    
    
  • you have allergic skin problems (eczema) or other allergies.
    
    

What Are Asthma Symptoms?

• Asthma symptoms include:
  
  
  • Cough
  • Whistling noise in the chest (wheeze)
  • Chest tightness
  • Feeling short of breath
  
  
  
• Asthma may seem mild, but having symptoms at night, even once a week, is a concern.
  
  
• Asthma symptoms happen when the muscles around the outside of the airways tighten and the inside of the airways become more swollen.
  
  

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 Lung Association to find one in your area.
  
  
• Know your asthma triggers and stay away from them.
  
  
• Know what your asthma medicines do and learn how to use them correctly.
  
  

Asthma Facts

• Asthma is an increasing problem.
  
  
• 10-15% of Canadian children have asthma.
  
  
• Asthma may be different for each person.
  
  
• 75% of children who have asthma also have allergies.
  
  
• Asthma can develop at any age, but is most common in childhood.
  
  
• Children with asthma can lead normal lives.
  
  
• Asthma is present even when symptoms are few or absent.
  
  
• Asthma symptoms may seem better in teen years, but can return later in life.