In response to the educational needs of the public, a web-based learning program, www.TakingControlofYourAsthma.ca was developed in collaboration with the Asthma Society of Canada.
Developed with a rigorous review process, topics include the underlying inflammatory aspect of asthma, the mechanism of action of the recommended therapies, and the concept of asthma control. There is an emphasis on knowledge and tools to support self-management, such as how to use an asthma action plan in partnership with health care providers.
This online program is an example of how technology and instructional design come together to engage and educate the patient. Future research will look at the effects of such e-learning resources on behaviour change and health outcomes.
AllerGen NCE Inc. is governed by an independent Board of Directors. Board Directors are committed to the vision and mission of AllerGen, promoting an atmosphere where excellent research combines with industrial know-how to produce socio-economic benefits for Canadians.
AllerGen's innovative and inter-disciplinary research program will involve research partners in academic, public and private sectors, representing expertise in medicine, genetics, molecular biology (genomics and proteomics); environmental, occupational and population health; epidemiology; health economics, and health policy; ethics, psychology, sociology, and medical geography and anthropology, aimed at understanding both the physiological and psychosocial aspects of allergic and related immune diseases.
For more information: www.allergen-nce.ca
This animation illustrates the pattern of inflammation characteristic of asthma, involving several inflammatory cells and multiple mediators that result in pathophysiological changes.
Inhaled glucocorticosteroids are currently the most effective anti-inflammatory medications for the treatment of persistent asthma.
Leukotriene modifiers have a small and variable bronchodilator effect, reduce symptoms including cough, improve lung function, and reduce airway inflammation and asthma exacerbations.
For patients with severe allergic asthma who are uncontrolled on inhaled glucocorticosteriods, Anti-IgE therapy may be an option in the context of elevated serum levels of IgE.
Most effective when combined with inhaled glucocorticosteroids, this combination therapy is the preferred treatment when a medium dose of inhaled glucocorticosteroid alone fails to achieve asthma control.
Rapid-acting inhaled ß2-agonists are the medications of choice for relief of bronchocontriction and for the pretreatment of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
The inflammatory aspect of asthma and the role of reliever and controller therapies in establishing asthma control are depicted in this animation, to aid the patient in understanding the importance of symptom monitoring and medication adherence.