Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a condition where the small airways in the lungs become narrow and inflamed, with increased mucous production. This leads to symptoms of coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

How do you diagnose asthma?

For older children, asthma is diagnosed using special breathing tests called Pulmonary Function Testing (PFTs), which would be performed outside of our clinic.

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Although younger children cannot reliably perform these tests, they can still have asthma. The diagnosis of asthma in younger children rely on a thorough review of symptoms and their response to typical asthma medications.

How do you manage asthma?

1. Avoid any known triggers, such as allergens

2. Avoid cigarette smoke

3. Take your asthma medications as prescribed

4. Make sure your inhaler technique is correct (see below), and use an aerochamber if it has been prescribed

   • Aerochamber

   • Diskus

   • Turbuhaler

5. If your asthma is not well controlled, make an appointment with your physician

6. If you are having an asthma emergency, call 911 or go to the hospital immediately