Feature stories
Canada has one of the highest incidence rates of asthma in the world
Incidence of asthma is reaching epidemic levels, and is the most common chronic childhood illness in North America.
Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by the inflammation of the airways in the lungs, wich causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Exactly what causes individuals to develop asthma is not known for sure, but research suggests the disease results from a complex interplay between genetic predisposition, exposure to infections, and critical environmental factors in the first years of life.
The focus on environmental factors has become increasingly sharp in recent years, particularly because, compared with genes and infections, they are more easily controlled. Smog and fine particulates pose particular problems for asthma sufferers. Besides triggering attacks, breathing in ozone can singe your lungs much like sunburn, and repeated exposure over years can cause permanent lung damage.
Quick Facts
- Asthma affects 3 million Canadians and costs Canada an estimated $1 billion every year.
- The prevalence of asthma in Canada has been increasing significantly over the past 3 decades.
- Asthma impacts 1 in 16 British Columbians and more than 70% of people with asthma also suffer from allergies.
- There are 300,000 diagnosed cases of asthma in BC, including almost 120,000 men and almost 180,000 women over the age of 12. An estimated 27,000 people experience asthma from work-related exposures.
- Asthma can be controlled; however studies confirm 57% of individuals with asthma have poorly controlled the disease, which can often restrict their daily activities.
- Each person with asthma reacts to a different set of triggers. Common triggers include: pollen, molds, animal secretions, dust mites, respiratory viral infections (colds) and exercise.
- Sadly, there is no cure for asthma. It does not go away when the symptoms go away. However, with proper management, asthma can be well controlled.