Make 2026 Your Healthiest Year Yet
As we step into a new year, we want to remind everyone living with asthma just how important good asthma control truly is.
What is asthma control and why is it so Important?
When your asthma is well controlled, you can enjoy a healthier, more active, and more fulfilling life. But when it isn’t controlled, you may experience more symptoms, a lower quality of life, and difficulty keeping up at work, school, or in daily activities. Poorly controlled asthma also increases your risk of a serious asthma exacerbation—an emergency that can lead to hospitalization. Tragically, more than 300 people in Canada die from asthma every year.
Below, you’ll find our Top 10 Tips for Better Asthma Control. These practical steps can help you breathe easier, reduce your risk of an asthma emergency, and take charge of your health in 2026. To assess your current level of asthma management, visit our Asthma Self-Check.
Top 10 Tips for Better Asthma Control
- Book a yearly asthma check-up
Meet with your healthcare professional at least once a year to review your asthma, treatment plan and overall control.
Ensure to discuss:
🔹 Have you experienced coughing or wheezing because of your asthma?
🔹 Has asthma disrupted your sleep, waking you up or keeping you awake at night?
🔹 Have you struggled to breathe during physical activities due to your asthma?
🔹 Have you missed work or school because of your asthma?
🔹 Have you used your reliever inhaler (usually blue) more than twice a week to manage symptoms?
🔹 Have you taken Oral Corticosteroids to manage your asthma symptoms?
- Keep your Asthma Action Plan up to date
Your Asthma Action Plan is your personal roadmap for managing asthma and recognizing when it is worsening. Develop it with your healthcare professional and review it at each health check.
🔹 Download your Asthma Action Plan
🔹 Download an Asthma Action Plan for Kids
- Take your controller medication as prescribed
Controller medicines help prevent asthma flare-ups. Even if you feel well, take them as instructed by your healthcare professional. Learn more about control medication.
- Know & manage your triggers
Everyone’s asthma is different. Learn what makes your asthma worse and take steps to reduce or avoid those triggers. Common triggers include pollen, smoke and cold air. Learn more about asthma triggers.
- Be prepared for an asthma attack
Carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times and know your Asthma Action Plan steps for what to do during and after an attack. Get your asthma attack toolkit.
- Recognize when your asthma is getting worse
Pay attention to warning signs like if you’re waking at night because of your asthma, noticing tightness in your chest, or needing your reliever more often (more than twice a week). Learn more about asthma symptoms.
- Use your inhaler properly
Good technique helps medicine reach your lungs. Have your healthcare professional or pharmacist check your technique regularly. Use a spacer with your inhaler if possible. Check out the Canadian Thoracic Society’s videos for visual guidance on how to do so.
- Reach out for support
Our bilingual Asthma & Allergy HelpLine connects you with Certified Respiratory Educators who can answer your questions and guide you with your asthma management. Call 1-866-787-4050 or email info@asthma.ca.
- Stay up to date on vaccines
Respiratory infections like flu, RSV or pneumonia can make your asthma worse. Talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for you. Learn more through our Asthma & Vaccines Hub.
- Manage your physical & mental health
Regular exercise, good sleep, a balanced diet and caring for your mental health all support lung health and overall well-being.
Useful Resources:
Asthma Self-Check
Asthma Action Plans
Asthma & Allergy HelpLine
Asthma & Exercise: What You Need To Know
Learn how to stay active while managing asthma confidently and safely.
Join Dr. Alan Kaplan and Josh Rheaume, as they lead an informative webinar designed to empower individuals with asthma to stay active while managing their condition confidently and safely. This session will cover:
- The Benefits of Exercise for Asthma and Lung Health
- Recognizing and Managing Exercise-Induced Symptoms
- Building Confidence to Stay Active Safely
- Practical Tips on Warm-Ups, Medication Use, and Adapting to Environmental Conditions