| What is asthma? |
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Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the lungs which causes a narrowing of the airway tubes resulting in breathing difficulties. These changes occur within the bronchial tubes of the lungs; the muscles contract; the lining becomes inflamed and swollen; and an excess amount of mucus is produced within the tubes. |
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| Do more boys than girls have asthma? |
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Yes, the ratio is about two to one until the teens, when the proportion is even. |
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| Do children die from asthma? |
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The chances of a child dying from asthma are very low. In Canada there are about 20 deaths each year in children with asthma. However, with proper treatment, most deaths from asthma can be prevented. Make sure that your child receives his/her asthma medications on a regular basis as prescribed. |
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| Do children outgrow asthma? |
Many children with asthma gradually outgrow their symptoms. Their asthma symptoms become less severe and may disappear. Some children do not outgrow asthma completely, but the asthma becomes milder and easier to control. In most children asthma gets better as the child gets older. Withholding treatment in the hope that your child will outgrow asthma is not realistic and can be dangerous. |
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| What are some other words for an asthma attack? |
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Episode and flare. These words are used interchangeably. |
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