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If you or someone you love has asthma, you may have questions or need support. The Lung Association is here to help.
If you live in Ontario, you can get free asthma information and advice from a Certified Asthma Educator, through Ontario's Asthma Action Helpline. Call 1-800-668-7682 or e-mail a Certified Asthma Educator at
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. If you live in Quebec, you can get free asthma information and advice though Quebec's Asthma information hotline. Call 1-800-295-8111, ext. 232. If you live in another province, contact your provincial Lung Association for more information.
Work with your healthcare team to control asthma Asthma is variable - your asthma symptoms can change, get better or get worse. If you know about asthma and how to respond to your symptoms, you'll be able to avoid asthma attacks. Your healthcare team can teach you how to manage your asthma symptoms. They can help you fill out a written asthma action plan that tells you what to do when your symptoms get worse.
People on your asthma healthcare team may include: Your doctor - you may have a family doctor and a respirologist (breathing specialist doctor) Your nurse Your pharmacist Your Certified Asthma Educator (CEA): Certified Asthma Educators are respiratory therapists, nurses, pharmacist, physiotherapists or dieticians who have special training in teaching people about asthma. They are experts at explaining how asthma affects you and what you can do about it. To find a Certified Asthma Educator, ask your local Lung Association or your doctor.
What to discuss with your healthcare team Your asthma action plan All your symptoms, especially if they are getting worse what you can do to prevent asthma attacks How you can get rid of asthma triggers If you are using more of your rescue inhaler (blue puffer) than usual Questions about your treatment Concerns you may have about asthma medicines' side effects. Speak honestly; ask if the benefits of the medication outweigh (are more important than) the risks. Ask what will happen if you don't take the medication.
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