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Asthma Information & Help Guide
What is Asthma?
Asthma is
extremely common and yet its symptoms can vary
significantly from person to person. Simply put,
asthma is a chronic breathing condition that can
threaten one's life. Every year approximately
500 Canadians die from asthma. In the U.S.
asthma is responsible for approximately 4,000
deaths, 2,000,000 emergency room visits and
500,000 hospitalizations annually. If untreated,
there is evidence that asthma may actually lead
to a decline in the asthmatic's lung function
over the long term. It is therefore
crucial for an asthmatic to seek medical help.
Asthma involves two main
components:
1. The muscles around the airway
constricting or tightening causing difficulty in
breathing
2. The airway is always
inflamed and during an asthmatic attack becomes
swollen and irritated. The inflammation further
restricts the amount of air one is able to
breathe in and out. Sometimes, excessive and
thick mucus is produced which further adds to
the difficulty in breathing.
How can I identify if someone has
Asthma?
Asthma symptoms
include:
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Coughing
- Wheezing
Asthma is triggered by the
allergens and irritants in the environment.
The most common
triggers include:
- Smoking
- Dust mites
- Pets
- Cockroaches
- Indoor mold
- Smoke, strong odors, and
sprays
- Pollen or outdoor mold
- Exercise
- Colds and infections
- Weather
- Food allergies and
sulfites in food (beer, wine, shrimp, dried
fruit, processed potatoes, etc. are common
food triggers)
What should you do if you or your
loved one has asthma?
Make sure you meet regularly with
your doctor and work together to create a
treatment plan. There are both preventative
medications as well as quick-relief medications
for asthma which can help.
If you are present when someone
is having an asthma attack, what should you do?
F.A.S.T. Rescue can develop your
Health and Safety Manual. Our manuals are
Your main aim in helping is to dilate the air
passages. Make sure you follow these steps:
1. Ask if you can help
3. Assist with medications or coach the casualty’s
breathing.
5. If after taking the medication, the symptoms are
not corrected, call 9-1-1.
Take a Standard First Aid & CPR course to learn
more.
Note:
This information is
offered as information only and is designed to
promote Health & Safety in the workplace and the
community. It is subject to change.
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Strengthen the Chain to Survival
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Phone: (905) 760-2045 Toll-Free: (866) 706-7283
Fax: (888) 313-8368
info@fast-rescue.com
Copyright F.A.S.T. Rescue Inc. 2002 - All Rights Reserved
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