Sobeys | Pharmacy

Asthma

Asthma affects the lives of over 3 million Canadians, including up to 10% of the childhood population. In fact, asthma accounts for about 1/4 of all school absenteeism. Approximately 60% of Canadians with asthma do not have good control of their condition, although many think they do. Each year in Canada about 500 adults and 20 children die from asthma. It is estimated that 80% of these deaths could have been prevented through education and better asthma management.

The good news is that you can lead a normal life with proper management of your asthma. This brochure will provide you with a few tips on how this goal can be achieved.

What Causes Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes your airways to be inflamed (swollen) and to become very sensitive to the effects of 'triggers' that cause the muscles around your airways to constrict, resulting in symptoms of breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightening and/or coughing.

Can Asthma Be Cured?

Unfortunately a cure for asthma has not been found, but the symptoms can usually be very well controlled by avoiding circumstances that trigger your asthma and by using medications tailored to your particular situation.

Understanding What 'Triggers' Your Asthma

The easiest way to help reduce the incidence of asthma symptoms is to stay away from those things (triggers) that bring on your asthma attacks.

Following are some of the more common triggers of asthma symptoms:

Allergens - pollen (grasses, trees, weeds), animal dander and secretions, moulds, house dust mites
Cigarette smoke
Cold air
Respiratory infections and colds
Scented products
Exercise
Air Pollutants

How Do I Know If My Asthma is Controlled?

Answer the following questions Yes or No.

Do you use your blue inhaler (salbutamol or terbutaline) 4 or more times a week? (Except doses as instructed for exercise?)
Do you cough, wheeze or have a tight chest because of asthma more than 3 times per week?
Do coughing, wheezing or chest tightness wake you up at night?
Do you stop exercising because of your asthma?
Do you ever miss school or work because of your asthma?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, your asthma may not be controlled. You should visit your doctor and talk with your PROfile® Pharmacist to develop an Asthma Care Plan that will help you to feel better!

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe one or more of many different types of medications that work together to control asthma. Below is a brief summary of some of the different types of asthma relief medications:

Quick Relievers or 'Rescue' Inhalers

Quickly relieves asthma symptoms during asthma attacks or prevents problems when used before exercise or going out into cold temperatures by relaxing the muscles in the airways
Examples include salbutamol, terbutaline, and fenoterol

Controller Medications

Used on a regular schedule to provide long-term control of asthma by reducing inflammation, swelling, and mucus build-up
Not for immediate relief
Examples include fluticasone, budesonide, and beclomethasone

Additional Medications

Choices depend on severity and causes of asthma.

Long-acting bronchodilators
Bronchodilators taken by mouth
Allergy medications
Steroid medications taken by mouth

Your asthma is best controlled if your airways are free of inflammation. Therefore, it is very important to use your medications as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel well.

Using asthma inhaler devices correctly can be challenging. Your PROfile® Pharmacist will be happy to assist with any concerns you might have and show you how to get the most benefit from your asthma medications.

A Personal Asthma Care Plan

What is a peak flow meter?

A peak flow meter is a small, portable device that allows you to measure the speed that you are able to expel air from your lungs. This is called the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF). Your PEF is a very important indicator of the level of obstruction in your airways, and can help to determine if your condition is changing and/or if medications are working well. Ask your doctor or PROfile® Pharmacist to demonstrate how to properly use a peak flow meter.

Developing your personal asthma care plan

Everyone suffering from asthma should have an Asthma Care Plan that is developed in consultation with his or her doctor. A care plan will outline when you need to get emergency help and how you should adjust your treatment under particular circumstances. Many action plans are based on a colour code system as follows:

Green - Good control

Normal breathing, no coughing or wheezing, normal activity, normal sleep
Peak flow reading is 80-100% of personal best

Yellow - Caution

Cold symptoms, symptoms with activity or at night, symptoms controlled with reliever, reliever used up to 4 times per day
Peak flow reading is 60–80% of personal best

Red - Danger (Go to EMERGENCY department)

Breathing is difficult, reliever doesn't help in 10 minutes or is needed again in less than 3 hours, wheezing takes place at rest, difficulty talking, lips and fingernails are blue or grey
Peak flow reading is less than 60% of personal best You should have explicit written instructions on how to manage your medications and when to seek medical attention under each of the circumstances above.