Asthma

• What type of disorder is asthma?

  Chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways
• What does inflammation in asthma cause?

  Varying degrees of obstruction in the airways
• What is hyperresponsiveness in asthma triggered by?

  Triggers such as pollution and allergens
• What are the differences between chronic symptoms and acute exacerbation in asthma?

  • Chronic symptoms: Persistent and ongoing issues
  • Acute exacerbation: Sudden worsening of symptoms
• How does an increase in pollution affect asthma hospitalizations?

  It causes a rapid increase in hospitalizations
• What is the evidence regarding pollution and asthma symptoms?

  Pollution worsens symptoms on high pollution days
• How many Canadians older than 12 years live with asthma?

  2.4 million (8.4%) Canadians
• What percentage of Canadians with active asthma visited an emergency room in the past year?

  11.1% reported at least one visit
• What percentage of adult-onset asthma cases are work-related?

  10% to 25% of cases
• Why is it important to take a detailed occupational exposure history for asthma patients?

  To identify potential work-related triggers