On World Asthma Day, Asthma Canada calls for better management to help 2 million Canadians live symptom-free
This World Asthma Day, Asthma Canada is addressing the approximately 2 million Canadians with uncontrolled asthma, urging them to manage their condition to achieve a symptom-free life.
Currently, over 4 million Canadians have asthma, with more than half suffering from an uncontrolled variant of the disease, leading to diminished quality of life and preventable health issues, including death.
Jeffrey Beach, president, and CEO of Asthma Canada expressed concern about the persistent high levels of uncontrolled asthma nationwide. “It is alarming to see the levels of uncontrolled asthma are still prevalent across Canada,” Beach said.
He noted that despite recent advancements in the field, many Canadians with asthma endure a reduced quality of life.
“Many Canadians living with asthma have accepted poor control as part of living with the condition. But there is an alternative and a symptom-free life is attainable. If your asthma is holding you back from doing the things you love in life, this is an indication that your asthma is uncontrolled.”
Asthma Canada recommends evaluating asthma control by considering five key questions about breathing difficulties, nighttime disruptions, exercise intolerance, missed work or school, and frequency of reliever inhaler use.
Answering 'yes' to any of these suggests uncontrolled asthma. For those affected, Asthma Canada advises downloading a free Asthma Action Plan from asthma.ca and consulting a healthcare professional.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Asthma Canada remains dedicated to supporting individuals affected by asthma. Jeffrey Beach highlighted the availability of the Free Asthma and Allergy HelpLine, where individuals can receive expert advice on managing asthma.
While at the Ontario legislature at Queen's Park on World Asthma Day, Beach emphasized the critical role of policymakers in addressing the widespread issue of uncontrolled asthma in Canada.
He pointed out the healthcare system challenges that exacerbate symptom management difficulties, urging immediate action to prioritize asthma care.
Asthma Canada also contributed to the first Canadian stakeholder consensus for diagnosing, referring, and treating severe asthma, involving over 150 professionals nationwide.
This consensus provides policymakers with a roadmap to enhance respiratory care, suggesting improvements like timely referrals to specialists, enhanced roles for allied health professionals, and consistent referral pathways.
Implementing these recommendations could significantly improve the lives of Canadians living with severe asthma.
