Frequently Asked Questions

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) inflammation of the lining of the airways of the lungs, which makes these airways contract easily. As a result, a person with asthma can experience difficulty breathing and often requires long-term treatment to control this inflammation. You can learn more about asthma here.

No, not yet. However, it can be controlled, by using controller medication and by avoiding your allergic and non-allergic asthma triggers.

Airway remodelling may occur when asthma is not treated or controlled effectively as long term airway inflammation may result in permanent changes in the airways. The actual structure of your airway walls can change causing blockage that can’t be completely reversed with treatment.

Asthma is defined as “a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways” and is characterized by reversible airway obstruction. Irreversible airway obstruction may develop due to the alterations in airway structure that occur with airway remodeling.

Airway remodelling is an ongoing process in reaction to inflammation as the body activates a process in an attempt to repair the lungs in response to persistent inflammation. This leads to permanent structural and functional changes. Much as a skin wound leads to scar tissue formation (this has a different structure from surrounding skin); airway remodelling results in different airway characteristics. The cells (epithelial) that line the airway are damaged and the basement membrane underneath the epithelial cells becomes thicker. More blood vessels are formed and the amount of smooth muscle surrounding the airway increases. The airways loose elasticity, the walls thicken, and excess muscle results in bronchoconstriction and long term loss of lung function, a worsening of asthma and the development of fixed airflow limitation.

Airway remodelling may be, at least somewhat, reversible and preventable. The number of asthma attacks has been associated with greater decline in lung function and a higher risk of airway remodeling. Treatments for asthma may play a significant role by reducing asthma exacerbations resulting in preventing the decline in lung function and airway remodeling. It is extremely important for you to learn how and why your medications work.

The current treatment of asthma is aimed toward decreasing airway inflammation, reducing symptoms, and improving lung function. The use of controller/anti-inflammatory medications reduces the inflammatory process associated with asthma and thus results in less remodelling. A return toward normal airway structure has been found when proper and regular anti-inflammatory treatment is followed. You can find more information about Controllers here.

It seems there are more cases of asthma today because it is more correctly diagnosed than it was in the past.

That said, the overall incidence of asthma has been increasing. While researchers do not know exactly why, they do have several theories.

One theory suggests that more people develop asthma today because we spend more time indoors than people used to. Indoor air can contain a number of asthma triggers, such as smoke, dust mites and pet allergens. Additionally, in response to the oil crisis of the 1970s, modern homes are more tightly sealed than older homes. This means that indoor air doesn’t circulate with outdoor air the way it did in older, better-ventilated homes. As a result, people inside are exposed to greater amounts of indoor air and the triggers it may contain.

Other theories attempting to explain why asthma is on the rise include the suggestion that outdoor air pollution has a significant effect on asthma. There is also the possibility that because children today experience fewer infections, they are somehow more susceptible to developing asthma.

If laughing or crying brings on symptoms, your asthma is not being properly controlled. Talk to your doctor or an asthma educator about ways to better control your asthma.

Asthma and allergies are related but they are not the same thing. An allergy is a reaction to a substance that is usually harmless. These substances can be inhaled, injected, swallowed, or touched. A person who is exposed to an allergen may react with irritation and swelling in specific areas of the body such as the nose, eyes, lungs or skin.

An example of an allergic reaction of the skin is called eczema, an itchy rash commonly found in the creases of the arms, legs and neck.

An allergic reaction in the nose is called rhinitis or hay fever. Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are itchy, runny nose, stuffiness, sneezing, ear blockage and watery eyes.

In the lungs, an allergic reaction manifests itself as asthma. Although allergens are common asthma triggers, many experience asthma symptoms with non-allergic triggers such as smoke, cold air or exercise.

Milk and other foods do not generally cause asthma symptoms unless a person is allergic to them. If you do have food allergies that contribute to asthma symptoms, do not eat those foods.

If you’re told you can’t eat certain foods, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need from other, non-allergic products. Ask your doctor or a dietitian how you can control your asthma symptoms and still enjoy a healthy, balanced diet.

Everyone benefits from some form of exercise. If exercise makes your asthma symptoms worse, it means your asthma is not well-controlled. Tell your doctor so changes can be made so that you can exercise without experiencing symptoms. You can learn more about exercising with asthma here.

Perhaps. Doctors use antihistamines, decongestants, non-steroidal and corticosteroidal medications to manage allergic reactions (You can learn more about allergy treatments here) . If the allergic reaction is in the airway, corticosteroids are used to reduce the inflammation. If nasal symptoms are present, then antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroid sprays may be prescribed. Keeping the nasal passages clear allows you to breath through your nose, which helps filter, warm and humidify the air you breathe into your lungs. Proper management of rhinitis often improves asthma control.

No. Poorly controlled asthma is a much greater risk to your baby. Remember, you’re breathing for two.

Most asthma medication is generally safe to take during pregnancy but, as always, you should be taking the lowest amount of medication that controls your asthma. Discuss any concerns with your doctor – he or she can explain the risks and benefits in greater detail. Keep in mind that when you’re pregnant, it’s more important than ever to avoid your personal asthma triggers as well as any source of tobacco smoke.

Never stop taking your medication unless your doctor tells you to. If you stop taking your medication against your doctor’s advice, you may make your asthma worse.