Asthma

There is currently a shortage of the Ventolin inhaler. Quebec pharmacies may supply children 8 years and older with an alternative inhaler such as the Terbutaline Turbuhaler or Ventolin Diskus.

We know that this may not be a medicine you and your child are used to, and want to make sure you know how to take it. Here are some videos from the Ontario Lung Association showing you step-by-step how to use a Turbuhaler and Diskus. Call your physician or speak to your pharmacist if you have any questions.

Check out our video resources to learn how to use a Turbuhaler or Diskus inhaler.

Asthma is a chronic (life-long) disease that inflames and narrows airways in the lungs, making it hard to breathe. It’s normal for airways to get inflamed and narrow when exposed to smoke, pollution and other irritants. However, children and youth with asthma are sensitive to things that shouldn’t irritate the lungs, like pollen or even the common cold.

Below you will find a variety of resources to help you better understand, cope with and/or support someone with asthma.

Download the Asthma Resource List (PDF)

Books

All book titles are available for borrowing through CHEO's Kaitlin Atkinson Family Resource Library. Located on the first floor of the main CHEO building, in front of the elevators, the library is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. Reach us directly at 613-738-3942 or library@cheo.on.ca.

100 questions & answers about your child's asthma

Plottel, Claudia S. -- Boston, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2008.

Provides up-to-date, authoritative, practical answers to questions about childhood asthma such as treatment options, healthy lifestyle choices and coping strategies.

FAM RJ 436 .A8 P62 2008

Asthma active: learning about asthma

Toronto, ON: The Lung Association, 2004.

An activity book for children 7 - 12 years of age.

FAM RJ 436 .A8 A83

Asthma in children

Kovesi, Thomas -- Ottawa: The Lung Association, 2009.

This booklet, for parents of children with asthma, helps explain asthma triggers, control and management, and is designed to supplement the information received from a health care provider.

FAM RJ 436 .A8 K678 2009

Call me brave boy: learning about asthma

Shinder, Jenny -- Toronto, ON: The Lung Association, 2004.

A picture book for children 2 - 6 years of age.

FAM RJ 436 .A8 S54

The everything parent's guide to children with asthma: professional advice to help your child manage symptoms, be more active, and breathe better

Simmons, Janice C. -- Avon, MA: Adams Media, 2008.

Helps families recognize symptoms, get accurate diagnosis, identify triggers, decide on treatment, make the home asthma-proof and allergen-free and work with teachers and caregivers.

FAM RJ 436 .A8 S56 2008

The Great Katie Kate offers answers about asthma

DeLand, M Maitland; Zivoin, Jennifer. -- Austin, TX: Greenleaf Book Group Press, 2014.

When Julie is diagnosed with asthma, the Great Katie Kate swoops in to help alleviate her fears brought on by the worry wombat.

FAM RJ 436 .A8 D36 2014

Questions and answers about asthma: information for parents

Dell, Sharon -- Toronto, ON: The Hospital for Sick Children, 2006.

This book is written for parents to help explain the basics of childhood asthma and asthma management.

FAM RJ 436 .A8 D44

The story of asthma in pictures

The Lung Association -- Toronto, ON: The Lung Association, 2001.

This booklet discusses the very basics of asthma with simple pictures and few words.

FAM RJ 436 .A8 L86

Taking asthma to camp: a fictional story about asthma camp

Gosselin, Kim -- St. Louis, MO: Jayjo Books, 1998.

A story about the fun and activities Justin participates in when he goes to asthma camp. Appropriate for ages: 4-8 years.

FAM RJ 436 .A8 G675

Taking asthma to school

Gosselin, Kim -- Valley Park, MO: Jayjo Books, 1998.

A guide to having asthma and dealing with it at school. Appropriate for ages: 4-8 years.

FAM RJ 436 .A8 G67

Understanding asthma

deLoache, Shawn; Renfrew, Ruth. - New York: Medikidz USA, Inc., 2018.

In graphic novel format, the Medikidz, superheroes from the planet Mediland, help the reader and Jenny understand asthma.

FAM RJ 436 .A8 R46 2018

Websites

Fact sheets

What you need to know: asthma

You are free to copy and redistribute these materials in any medium or format. This work may not be used for commercial purposes. View the full Creative Commons license.

How to use my asthma inhaler (videos)

How to use your inhaler with a Spacer (ages 6+)

How to use your Spacer and Mask (for pre-schoolers)

How to use a Turbuhaler

How to use a Diskus inhaler

Visit BREATHE lung association's website for more how to use your inhaler video series

Disclaimer

These resources are for educational purposes only. If you have any questions, ask your health-care provider.