While there is presently no known cure for asthma, understanding how it affects the lungs and taking measures to properly control the symptoms can greatly improve the quality of life. Most people with asthma are able to live full, active lives, by:

• avoiding their asthma triggers
• taking their medication
• following an asthma action plan

Increasing Asthma Medication's Efficacy

The majority of asthma patients are prescribed a metered dose inhaler (MDI).

Studies indicate that close to three-quarters of asthma sufferers are unable to use these effectively¹. This is particularly true for children. To help ensure that medication properly reaches your child’s lungs, you may wish to invest in a valved holding chamber, such as the AeroChamber MAX®. Valved holding chambers work with an MDI to reduce the speed of the medication entering the mouth. This allows more medication to be inhaled into the lungs. The MDI is inserted into the end opposite the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece itself incorporates a valve that temporarily blocks the released medication until the user is ready to inhale. (The valve then allows the user to exhale without displacing the medication in the chamber.)

The AeroChamber MAX® is portable, easily cleaned, and convenient to use. For easy use by children, the unit is available with an infant mask, suitable for babies/toddlers up to 18 months of age, a child mask suitable for children of 12 months to five years, or a mouthpiece intended for children over the age of five years.

A peak flow meter (PFM) is another valuable aid in managing asthma. Peak flow meters measure the fastest speed at which a person can blow air out of the lungs. Recording peak flow rates over time can help identify changes that may indicate a potential airway obstruction, even before the person experiences symptoms of an impending attack. The Truzone™ Peak Flow Meter is simple to use and can help you assess whether or not your child’s asthma is becoming worse. You may wish to share the readings with your child’s doctor. AeroChamber MAX® valved holding chambers (including masks and/or mouthpieces if necessary), and the Truzone™ Peak Flow Meter are available from London Drugs. Please ask your pharmacist for assistance if you are unsure which holding chamber will best benefit your child.

1. The Lung Association (Canada)

Asthma and School

If your child has asthma, it is vitally important that his or her school be aware of the condition and how you wish it to be managed. Many children with asthma will have been prescribed relieving medication for use during an asthma attack, and the school must know how to administer this.

Arrange a meeting with the school nurse (if the school employs one) or person in charge of medical/health matters, and the teachers and sports coaches who will be in contact with your child. During this meeting, you should describe your child’s condition, and when his or her asthma attacks are most likely to occur. You should also demonstrate the correct use of your child’s inhaler (puffer).

Properly labelled medication should be left with the school nurse (or other person in charge of medical matters), and replaced as necessary. While it is likely that an older child will carry an inhaler at all times, the school should also have one available in the event that a child’s inhaler is lost, or forgotten. If your child’s school does not keep an inhaler for emergency use, you should purchase a second one, label it with your child’s name, and ask the school to keep it in the office. Elementary schools will likely have inhalers available.

While most controlling medications are taken twice a day, in the morning and at night, they are sometimes required more frequently. If your child requires medication during school hours, someone at the school should be appointed to remind her of the time. It is also very important that the school has up-to-date phone numbers for parents, other key caregivers, and your child’s doctor.

Asthma Clinics

People with asthma often underestimate the severity of the disease and have learned to live with and tolerate symptoms that can be avoided or limited.

Asthma has variable symptoms, severity, triggers and frequency. Therefore there is no “one plan” for its successful management. Each person’s asthma is unique. If you would like to discuss your asthma (or that of your child) on a one-to-one basis with a London Drugs pharmacist, simply drop by your local pharmacy to schedule an appointment.

Throughout the year, London Drugs hosts a number of asthma clinics where you can learn to identify your specific triggers and symptoms, and develop a plan for their successful management. During the clinic, you will receive personalized advice, bettercare™ is in the Air - a 24-page guide to living with asthma, a patient diary, including symptom tracking sheets, an asthma action plan, and more.

A nominal fee is charged for attending the clinic.