AHS can help Albertans diagnose and manage asthma

CALGARY — Today is World Asthma Day and Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reminding Calgarians that resources are available to help diagnose and educate people on how to effectively manage the chronic condition.

Asthma can cause inflammation and swelling in the airways of the lungs. People with asthma often notice symptoms such as wheezing and sometimes coughing, shortness of breath with activity and heaviness on the chest.

It can lead to poor quality of life, illness leading to missed days at work or school, and often impacts certain sporting and recreational activities. Often asthma symptoms change throughout one’s lifetime but rarely does asthma resolve completely. Asthma cannot be cured but can be managed to ensure a normal, symptom-free life.

AHS offers special breathing tests to help diagnose asthma and provides education on how to effectively manage asthma. An accurate diagnosis through lung testing is important so patients receive effective treatment and education.

Albertans who suspect they have asthma or would like to improve their lung health are encouraged to visit their family doctor to arrange a referral to a respirologist.

Visit www.ucalgary.ca/asthma for more information.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

- 30 -