Asthma

Asthma (pronounced “AZ-muh”) is becoming increasingly more common, having doubled in prevalence in the past century. It now affects up to 10% of Canadians. Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease involving inflammation, increased sensitivity, and narrowing of the airways which can lead to an asthma attack.

In non-asthmatic individuals, air is able to enter and exit your lungs with ease.

In asthmatic individuals, the airway is inflamed and more sensitive. Increased sensitivity of the airway can lead to further inflammation, increased mucus production, and tightening of the muscles around your airway in response to certain triggers. The narrowing of the airway causes the difficulty breathing experienced during an asthma attack.

Asthma attacks can be triggered by various factors including allergens, irritants, respiratory illnesses, exercise, and strong emotions.

SYMPTOMS OF AN ASTHMA ATTACK:

  • Coughing

  • Shortness of breath

  • Wheezing

  • Rapid/laboured breathing

  • Chest tightness

  • Blue colouring in face, lips, or fingernails