Asthma Clinic
Asthma is a recurrent, episodic lung disease characterized by cough and wheezes; associated with exercise, viral infection, pollution, and exposure to airborne allergens. If your child has asthma, his or her airways can become extra-sensitive to irritants and allergens.
Facts
Asthma Fact 1
Asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease, affecting 10-15% of Canadian children.
Asthma Fact 2
Asthma can first be diagnosed at any age, but often starts in childhood.
Asthma Fact 3
Asthma and allergies often occur together. Â In fact, 80% of people with asthma are also affected by allergies.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the lining of the airways or bronchial tubes become inflamed and irritated. The muscles around the airways can also tighten leading to recurrent cough, shortness of breath or wheezing. The majority of patients with asthma have allergic triggers, but there are several other things that cause asthma symptoms as well. There is a genetic predisposition for developing asthma. Scientific research has shown that treating children who have only allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) with allergen immunotherapy can decrease the chances of developing asthma later in life.
Symptoms Include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing with exercise or exertion
- Fatigue
Triggers Include:
- Exercise
- Infections
- Cold air
- Exposure to irritants in the air such as perfume and cigarette smoke
- Exposure to allergens in the air such as pollens, dust mite allergens, animal danders and mold
- Certain medications can trigger asthma in some patients
- Emotional stress
- Weather changes
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease/LPR
Testing
Breathing tests are performed in the office to evaluate your lung function and breathing. In some
cases, further testing such as a flow volume loop, methacholine challenge or a chest x ray is
needed.Â
After a thorough history and physical exam, your provider will discuss which test(s) are
recommended.
Pulmonary Function Testing (Spirometry):Â Â This is the most common type of
breathing test
performed in the office.  It measures the amount of air exhaled at different time points during
complete
exhalation.  This test is often performed before and after treatment with a bronchodilator
(medication
for asthma) to see if there is an improvement after the medication. Â
Flow Volume Loops:Â This test is similar to spirometry (described above) but it
also measures how air
passes through the upper airway and vocal cords.Â
Methacholine Challenge:Â This test measures airway responsiveness to an inhaled
substance called
methacholine.  It can help determine if you have asthma if the other tests are not diagnostic or
inconclusive.
Chest X-Ray:Â Radiographic pictures of the lung
Treatment
We manage Pediatric Asthma by our team of Pediatricians, Allergists and Respirologists to help patients manage their asthma and allergies so they can lead healthy, normal lives. The strong emphasis placed on individualized patient care has been part of the clinic's philosophy of practice for over 75 years.
- Asthma trigger avoidance: Our paediatrician allergist will provide guidance on how to reduce exposures to your child's allergy and asthma triggers
- Asthma treatment plan:Â Our pediatrician will help you create a mutually agreed upon plan of care for your child's asthma
- Medications: There are numerous medications used for asthma.  Patients with asthma need a reliever inhaler (bronchodilator) which can be used to help treat asthma symptoms when they occur OR it can be used before exercise to prevent symptoms. Ventoline is the most common bronchodilator used. Some patients need a daily, controller therapy to manage their asthma.  Your provider will recommend which treatments are best for your child.