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Managing Spring Asthma
As the first buds of spring begin to appear, many Canadians find themselves looking forward to spending more time outdoors, enjoying the warmer weather. However, for individuals with asthma, the changing seasons can bring about a set of challenges that can affect their ability to enjoy this time of year fully. Spring asthma, as it is commonly referred to, is a condition where asthma symptoms become more pronounced or worsen due to a variety of seasonal triggers. These triggers include pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers, which are abundant in the spring months, as well as changes in temperature and air quality that can accompany the shift from winter to…
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Winter Asthma Management
Winter brings with it a unique set of challenges for individuals suffering from asthma. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition marked by the inflammation and narrowing of the airways, can be significantly aggravated during the colder months, especially in countries like Canada, where the winters are particularly harsh. The cold air, coupled with indoor allergens, often leads to an increase in asthma symptoms and attacks. The primary issue with cold air is that it’s often dry and can irritate the sensitive airways of asthmatics. When one breathes in cold, dry air, the body’s natural response is to produce more mucus. This increase in mucus production can lead to a feeling of…
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Asthma in Canada
Asthma is a chronic, non-curable condition affecting millions of Canadians, making it one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the country. This respiratory disease is characterized by an inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, leading to episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. Though it’s a common health problem, its severity can range from mild inconvenience to a life-threatening issue. Asthma can be controlled and managed with appropriate medical care, medication, and lifestyle changes, enabling people living with the condition to enjoy high-quality, active lives. Understanding Asthma Asthma results from a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors, which lead to airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.…
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Cold Air and Asthma
Cold weather and asthma can be a dangerous combination, with cold air triggering asthma symptoms and exacerbating already-existing conditions. Cold air contains less moisture than warm air, and when those with asthma are exposed to cold air, this triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals in the lungs, which can lead to things like airway narrowing and increased mucus production, resulting in symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It’s also important to note that aside from change in temperature, colds, flu, and other viruses are more common in the winter months and can lead to increased inflammation of the airways and thickened mucus in the…
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Asthma Risk Factors, Treatment and More
Asthma, a breathing condition that affects both children and adults, currently affects an estimated 3 million Canadians (that’s just under 10% of the Canadian population.) Asthma can be chronic or acute and occurs when the lining if your airways becomes swollen and inflamed, resulting in muscle spasms and other unpleasant symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, feeling of tightness in the chest, and even restricted breathing. These symptoms can not only be frightening, but in some cases, they can also be fatal depending on the severity of the attack. There are a number of different things that can trigger an asthma attack, along with several factors that put you at greater…
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Asthma Awareness Month
Asthma is a respiratory condition affecting the lungs, and is defined as chronic inflammation of the airway which causes difficulty breathing. To date, an estimated 3 million Canadians suffer from asthma. Who Gets Asthma? While asthma is more common in childhood (with approximately 600,000 children under the age of 12 being diagnosed, making it one of the most common chronic diseases in children today), it’s also not uncommon for adults over the age of 50 to be diagnosed. This is known as adult-onset asthma. While it’s still the same disease in children and adults, it tends to act slightly different depending on the age of the patient, which may result…
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Exercise-Induced Asthma
There are over 2 million Canadians currently living with asthma, a chronic disease of the airways that makes it difficult to breathe, resulting in symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Many individuals who have asthma also have allergies, which can trigger symptoms of asthma. Some of the most common allergens include dust, mold, pollen and animal dander, as well as things like outdoor air pollution, cigarette smoke, certain medications, and even exercise. When engaging in physical activity, people tend to breathe through their mouths as opposed to their noses. This means that you are inhaling cooler, drier air. The muscle bands that are around the airways are sensitive…
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Identifying Preservatives in Foods
When it comes to nutritional awareness, it is crucial to recognize that many of the food items we regularly consume are laden with preservatives; often, these are ingested without our knowledge as we might not habitually scrutinize food labels to ascertain the precise constituents we are introducing into our bodies. When you do take the time to examine these labels and find yourself baffled by the complex names that seem more chemical than food, it’s a strong indicator that the item may be packed with preservatives and potentially harmful additives. Preservatives serve as additives that are intentionally included in food products to extend their shelf life. Among the more commonly…
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Early Preparation for Springtime Allergies
As we slowly inch closer to spring, many of us look forward to the return of vibrant greenery and the blossoming of flowers. However, this seasonal change also brings with it the onset of spring allergies for a significant number of people. Despite it still being February, now is the ideal time to start preparing for the allergy season that typically kicks off in mid-March and lasts until mid to late June. Understanding and taking steps to mitigate the effects of these allergies early on can greatly enhance comfort and wellbeing during the spring months. Spring allergies, for those unfamiliar, are primarily triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.…
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How Fall Weather Encourages Mold Growth
Mold, a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments, can burgeon significantly during the fall, presenting numerous health risks to individuals exposed to it. This article will explore how autumn conditions in Canada can escalate mold growth and its impact on human health. Why Mold Thrives in the Fall Mold spores are omnipresent, but they require certain conditions to germinate, grow, and proliferate. Fall weather, particularly the omnipresence of fallen leaves and persistent damp conditions, creates a conducive environment for mold to flourish. The cycle begins with the decay of fallen leaves, which, when dampened by autumn rains, provide organic matter that is a prime nutrient source for mold.…
