Asthma is an illness which periodically causes breathing difficulties. It is caused by viral infections and exposure to allergens. It is not contagious and can be controlled. A child should be capable of participating in most school activities.

As many as 10 per cent of children may, at some time, suffer from asthma. It is the most common chronic disease of childhood and the cause of much time lost at school. Although no cure yet exists, current treatment allows an almost normal lifestyle for most people.

Asthma results from the constriction of airways in the lungs. A variety of factors may cause the muscles of the airways to tighten and the linings of these passages to swell and produce extra mucus. As the narrowing increases, breathing becomes more difficult and may range from persistent coughing to laboured wheezing.

The attack may last a few minutes or several days. An attack of asthma can be frightening for those unfamiliar with the condition. The child may be affected by the uncontrolled reactions of others.

An asthma attack may be triggered by:

• exposure to allergens (e.g., animals, pollen in summer and fall),
• irritants (e.g., chalk dust),
• infections,
• art/craft supplies,
• strong odors in winter, especially from carpeting,
• air pollution, especially indoor,
• cold air,
• aspirin,
• smoke,
• dust,
• weather,
• over-exertion, (e.g., running), and
• emotional exertion from excitement, anger, fear or laughing.