Health & Fitness

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Q) How do I know if my asthma is under control?

A) A 2010 survey of 401 Canadian adults and parents of adolescents found that the majority (77 per cent) considered their asthma well-controlled at the time of the study. 

However, upon questioning, half of the respondents reported that in the year past they had required emergency medical care for their symptoms and 21 per cent said they had missed school or work due to their asthma. 

In fact, only 47 per cent could be considered to have their condition under control based upon the newest guidelines. The disappointing part of this survey is that it reflects how low our expectations are when it comes to achieving a high quality of life while living with this disease.

• Daytime symptoms (regardless of whether you are exercising or in a cold environment) less than four times per week
• Night-time symptoms less than once per week
• Ability to perform all levels of physical activity without restriction
• No absences from school/work
• Need for a fast-acting ("rescue") inhaler less than four times per week
• Asthma flare-ups are mild and infrequent

By these guidelines, a single salbutamol-type inhaler should last at least a year. 

Reasons for poor control include concerns about using inhaled corticosteroids (the mainstay therapy for asthma control), an inability to recognize the early signs of asthma worsening and lack of a care plan to address deteriorating symptoms before physician care is required. 

All of these reasons can easily be resolved through education.

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Sunday, June 26, 2011