In fact, asthma experts indicate about 60 per cent of Canadians with ashthma still do not have their asthma under control. So spring time can be particularly hazardous for those whose asthma is not well managed.
You know Spring is really here when you feel the warmth in the air and see the buds blooming on the branches of trees and shrubs. But what you can't always see is the increase of air particulate matter like pollen, moulds and air pollution, which can cause mild to severe asthma and allergy symptoms for sufferers.
Hundreds of Canadians Die Every Year from Asthma
The Asthma Society of Canada indicates "every year, approximately 500 Canadians die from asthma. Most of these deaths could have been prevented with proper education and management.
That said, asthma is a common condition that's anything but simple. Symptoms vary widely from person to person and from situation to situation. Still, there is a lot that is known about asthma, and you will find much of the information you are seeking on the Asthma Society of Canada web site.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is primarily related to an inflammation of the airways in your lungs, which makes breathing difficult. Though there is no cure, your asthma can be managed. And it does not have to control your life.
To assist you in regaining control of your health consider the following information from the Asthma Society of Canada web site:
- Become educated about asthma.
- Take your medications as directed.
- Avoid your triggers.
- Develop a personalized action plan.
The more you know about asthma, the better you can control it. This means being properly diagnosed and learning what things can cause asthma symptoms so you can avoid these triggers.
Many asthma sufferers don't always consider the possibility they could be more affected by indoor triggers such as smoke, mold, and dust than outdoor triggers.
However, you can control your asthma with the help of an asthma action plan which you and your health care provider design.
The goal of asthma management is to obtain and maintain the best possible asthma control. And how you will know you have good control is measured by:
- Experiencing daytime symptoms fewer than four times a week.
- Experiencing night-time symptoms a maximum of once every two weeks.
- Having to take your reliever medication no more than three times a week (not counting when you take it before exercising).
- Not missing work or school due to asthma.
- Normal lung function when breathing is tested.
To find out how well you are managing your asthma, take the interactive quiz, "How Do You Feel Today? on the Asthma Society of Canada web page.
This quick and easy quiz will demonstrate how well you are managing your asthma. Take it whenever you need an update, and print out your results and take them with you to your next appointment with your family doctor or asthma educator.
- Consult with your physician if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Episodes where breathing is difficult. These episodes might be triggered by exercise, cold or exposure to pollen, dust, pet dander or smoke.
- Unexplained coughing or wheezing most of the time.
- Wheezing or coughing while sleeping, which wakes you up.
