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Understanding Asthma

Learn about asthma symptoms and treatments.

Understanding Asthma

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Asthma is a common chronic condition causing swelling and inflammation of the airways. Asthma may present with one or more respiratory symptoms. Symptoms of asthma include

  • Wheezing
  • Breathlessness
  • Chest tightness
  • Coughing

Asthma Attacks

Asthma attacks vary in intensity. The intensity may be mild, moderate or severe. Read the following topics to learn more about asthma:

Asthma in Children

Asthma affects children but it should not keep them from living a healthy life. Learn more about how asthma impacts children:

Watch a video to understand more about childhood asthma.

Learning that your child has asthma can leave you with many questions. This video will show you what asthma is, what asthma medications do and how to recognise and prevent asthma symptoms.

The BC Children’s Hospital Asthma Program made this video with support from Child Health BC and the BC Lung Association.

Asthma in Teenagers and Adults

As with children, adults may also be affected by asthma. Learn more about how asthma impacts adults:

Treating Asthma

Treatment strategies have been developed to get asthma under control. You may be already taking some of these medications. Learn more about how asthma is managed:

Asthma Medications

Living with Asthma

Practicing prevention can reduce asthma attacks and reduce illness. Prevention can help you avoid emergency department visits and help you live a full life. An asthma diary and an asthma action plan can help you keep track of how well and how to manage your asthma.

BC Asthma Action Plans

Your healthcare provider can help you identify asthma triggers so you can make the necessary lifestyle and environmental modifications.

Knowing how to self-manage your asthma symptoms and knowing when to seek medical care may help to improve your quality of life.

Lifestyle and Environmental Modifications

Some lifestyle and environmental factors can impact your physical health and worsen your asthma. Learn about lifestyle adjustments that can make to make living with asthma easier.

Lifestyle

Environmental

Immunizations

People with asthma are at higher risk for serious problems from certain vaccine-preventable diseases. It is recommended that people with asthma and their loved ones get vaccines to reduce the risk of these preventable diseases.

For more information about vaccines see:

Useful Websites

The Asthma Society of Canada: Provides free educational materials and resources with the latest asthma news and information.

BC Lung Association: A non-profit and volunteer-based health charity, the BC Lung Association offers in-depth information on asthma programs and educational resources.

The Canadian Lung Association: Publishes the Lung Association Asthma Handbook. This comprehensive guide is written in a clear, easy-to-understand style for people with asthma.

Last Reviewed: April 24, 2019

Is it an emergency?

If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now at 1-800-567-8911.

Thanks to our partners and endorsers:

Northern HealthBritish Columbia College of Family PhysiciansProvincial Health Services AuthorityVancouver Coastal HealthBritish Columbia Medical Association: Doctors of BCIsland HealthCollege of Pharmacists of British ColumbiaCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of British ColumbiaFraser Health AuthorityCollege of Dietitians of British ColumbiaInterior HealthCollege of Dental Surgeons of British ColumbiaBC Centre for Disease Control