It is estimated that there will be an additional 100 million persons with asthma by 2025. Approximately 1 in 250 deaths resulted from asthma globally, and many of these deaths are preventable, according to a Global Initiative for Asthma report.

Almost 3 million Canadian are suffering from the disease. As a serious chronic respiratory disease that affects 1 in 10 Canadians, asthma is a leading cause of unnecessary hospital visits and preventable deaths, especially in children. It is the leading cause of emergency room visits in Canada for school-aged children and is one of the most common causes of school and work absenteeism.

“It is tragic that this year approximately 500 Canadians will die due to undiagnosed and unmanaged asthma, when at least 80% of asthma deaths are preventable. This is an issue that needs awareness and a national strategy to ensure that we put an end to suffering and stop asthma deaths immediately,” said Asthma Society of Canada (ASC) President & CEO Rob Oliphant.

The ASC encourages Canadians living with asthma and those who suspect they may have undiagnosed asthma to learn more about potential triggers and management.