Did you know?
Every year, about 250 Canadians die from asthma. Most of these deaths, however, could have been prevented with proper education and management.
In recent years, pharmacists have become more active in patient care and demonstrate a positive impact on the outcomes of drug therapy in asthma patients.
https://www.asthma.ca/adults/about
Learn more about Asthma:
-
Preventing and Managing Chronic Disease
by Ministry of Health and Long Term Canada - Common Asthma Triggers
by Asthma Society of Canada -
Facts and Causes
by MediResource and Pharmasave -
Asthma Attack
by Canadian Lung Association
Asthma is a chronic lung condition.
Inflammation, increased mucus, and muscle tightening cause the airways to narrow, and as a result, air can't move through the lungs as well as it should, which makes it difficult to breathe.
There is no cure for asthma. It is a chronic condition that can last a lifetime.
The goal of asthma treatment is to keep you as symptom-free as possible.
This includes being able to engage in normal activities, keeping the use of rescue medications down (less than 4 doses per week), having daytime symptoms less than 4 days per week, and reducing episodes of worsening asthma.
This goal can be reached by most people with asthma by learning how to avoid asthma triggers.
Simple things you can do to avoid asthma triggers are:
- Protect yourself against dust mites;
- Wash all bedding in hot water at least twice per month;
- Change filters on heaters and air conditioners at least once per year;
- If you cannot get rid of your carpets, vacuum them often with a multi-layer, allergen-proof vacuum bag;
- Dust often and everywhere, including lampshades, walls and windowsills with a damp cloth;
- Store toys and books in closed bookshelves, drawers, or closets;
- Put all clothing in drawers and closets, and keep them closed;
- Cover air ducts with filters or cheesecloth. Change them frequently;
- Do not use pillows and bedding made with feathers;
- Clean bathrooms regularly with products that kill and prevent mold. Use exhaust fans to vent steam after a hot shower;
- Avoid perfumes and cosmetics with strong fragrances (hair shampoos, conditioners, body lotions etc);
- Get flu shots to prevent chest infections;