Latest news with #AsthmaCanada
Associated Press
11 hours ago
- Health
- Associated Press
WILDFIRES: 98% of People in Canada Living with Asthma Say Poor Air Quality Worsens Their Health
7 Practical Steps to Keep Your Asthma Managed This Wildfire Season TORONTO,, ONTARIO, CANADA, June 12, 2025 / / -- As wildfires once again rage across the country, Asthma Canada is urging people living with asthma to take serious precautions. Wildfire smoke contains harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter that can settle deep in the lungs. For the more than 4.6 million Canadians living with asthma, exposure to smoke can trigger severe symptoms—and, in some cases, lead to fatal asthma attacks. In Asthma Canada's most recent national survey, A Snapshot of Asthma in Canada, over 1,400 respondents shared how poor air quality—especially from wildfires—has affected their daily lives: 🔹 98% of respondents said poor air quality worsens their asthma 🔹 73% said poor air quality has directly caused their asthma to flare up severely 'It's not just about breathing issues—it's about your whole quality of life,' said Grace Pyatt, a nurse and professional beach volleyball player from Niagara, Ontario. 'I trained outdoors during wildfire season, and the smoke made everything harder. I was exhausted, constantly needing my rescue inhaler, and couldn't function outside of training. It took a toll on my mental and physical health—and it made me realize how serious wildfire smoke is for people with asthma.' The survey also revealed the mental health toll wildfire smoke takes on people with asthma: 🔹 85% reported a decline in their mental health during times of poor air quality 🔹 71% experienced anxiety that wildfire smoke could cause their asthma to flare up 'During wildfire season, I'm constantly on edge—worried that my asthma will flare up or that I'll have a serious attack. It's a terrifying feeling knowing it can be life-threatening,' said Charly Jarrett, a digital consultant from the West Kootenays, British Columbia. 'There's also a real sense of isolation. While others are outside enjoying the summer, I often have to stay indoors just to stay safe. It can feel incredibly lonely.' To help individuals protect themselves this summer, Asthma Canada has developed these essential tips: 🔷 7 Practical Steps to Manage Your Asthma During Wildfire Season 1. Stay informed: Keep track of local air quality updates and wildfire information from reliable sources like Environment Canada, The Weather Network, and the Government of Canada. 2. Have an updated Asthma Action Plan: Your plan should outline steps to take in case of worsening asthma symptoms or emergencies. Download your plan now. 3. Limit outdoor activities: Stay indoors as much as possible. Avoid physical exertion and exercise outdoors during peak pollution periods. If going outside is necessary: 🔹Wear a well-fitted N95 respirator mask to help protect against smoke particles. These can be purchased at pharmacies and online. 🔹Keep your reliever (usually blue) inhaler with you at all times in case asthma symptoms arise. 🔹When driving, keep your windows and vents closed and use air conditioning only in the 'recirculate' setting. 4. Use air purifiers and filters in your home: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers and keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke infiltration. If using an air conditioner, choose the recirculation setting so outside air is not transferred inside. Avoid activities that contribute to indoor air pollution, such as smoking or using strong chemicals. 5. Take your medications as prescribed: Make sure you have necessary medications and supplies readily available and follow your prescribed asthma medication regimen, including both preventive and rescue medications. Consult your healthcare provider if you need to adjust your medication plan during episodes of poor air quality. 6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your airways hydrated. This can help reduce symptoms and keep mucus thin, making it easier to cough up if necessary. 7. Watch Asthma Canada's Webinar: How Air Quality and Wildfires Affect Your Health In this informative session, respiratory experts Dr. Emily Brigham (Associate Professor, UBC) and Dr. Chris Carlsten (Director, Centre for Lung Health) explain how wildfire smoke and poor air quality affect your lungs—and share practical tips to help you stay healthy during wildfire season. 'Wildfire smoke can make asthma symptoms much worse, and for some, it can be life-threatening,' said Jeffrey Beach, President & CEO of Asthma Canada. 'If you have questions or concerns about managing your asthma—especially during wildfire season—we encourage you to reach out to our Asthma & Allergy HelpLine at 1-866-787-4050 or [email protected]. Our Certified Respiratory Educators are here to help you breathe easier and stay safe.' About Asthma Canada: Asthma Canada is the only national healthcare charity solely dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with asthma and respiratory allergies. For more than 50 years, Asthma Canada has proudly served as the national voice for people in Canada living with asthma. Our mission is to help people living with asthma lead healthy lives through education, advocacy, and research. Our vision is a future without asthma. For more information, please visit About Asthma in Canada: 🔹Over 4.6 million people are living with asthma in Canada 🔹Including over 900,000 children under 19 and over 800,000 adults over 65 🔹As many as 465,000 people living with asthma in Canada have severe asthma 🔹Including over 45,000 children under 19 🔹Asthma is Canada's third most chronic disease 🔹Over 300 families lose a loved one to asthma each year 🔹$4.2 billion is the expected cost of asthma to the Canadian economy by 2030 annually 🔹317 people are diagnosed with asthma every day in Canada 🔹80,000 visits are made to the emergency room each year because of asthma attacks 🔹Some people in Canada are hit harder by asthma; it is 40% more prevalent among First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities than the general population in Canada. Pauric Keegan Asthma Canada +1 866-787-4050 [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
New real-world study reveals oral corticosteroid overuse in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps Français
According to the ACTIONS study, 39% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) faced overexposure to oral corticosteroids (OCS) before beginning biologic therapy. ACTIONS was carried out by GSK in collaboration with Asthma Canada and leading Canadian Rhinologists. MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - A new Canadian real-world study, ACTIONS (chAracterizing oral Corticosteroid use in patients with chronic rhInOsinusitis with Nasal polypS in Canada), revealed patterns of oral corticosteroid (OCS) use among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) prior to starting biologic treatments. The full findings were recently presented at the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The study findings revealed that 81% of CRSwNP patients were prescribed OCS at least once in the 24 months prior to starting a biologic treatment with 39% of patients being overexposed to OCS by the time they started a biologic. These findings highlight the need for heightened awareness and education to prevent OCS overexposure and enhance patient care. CRSwNP is a chronic inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses and nasal mucosa leading to the growth of nasal polyps; 1 CRSwNP is associated with significant disease burden which negatively affects patients' quality of life. 2 Treatment for CRSwNP involves a combination of medical and surgical interventions. OCS are a common and effective medical treatment option for patients with CRSwNP, often used alongside nasal saline irrigation for short-term control of symptoms. 3 Despite their proven short-term efficacy, OCS are also associated with increased risk of short- and long-term adverse effects, with guidelines in respiratory disease recommending limiting use when possible. 4,5 Biologics have emerged as a newer treatment option with demonstrated effectiveness in managing CRSwNP, including decreasing the dependence on OCS. 6-8 The ACTIONS study revealed critical patterns of OCS use among CRSwNP patients, underscoring a significant unmet need that healthcare professionals should address. ACTIONS was conducted by GSK and Asthma Canada in collaboration with Dr. Yvonne Chan from the University of Toronto, Dr. Marie-Noëlle Corriveau from Université Laval, and Dr. Andrew Thamboo from the University of British Columbia, with research support, input, and analytics provided by IQVIA Solutions Canada Inc. "Our findings indicate that a significant proportion of severe CRSwNP patients are at risk of OCS overexposure. By considering earlier biologic initiation, when indicated, we can potentially reduce this risk and improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, collaboration among healthcare providers to promote awareness and adherence to these protocols will be vital in transforming patient care," said Dr. Marie-Noëlle Corriveau. "The data clearly indicate that a proactive strategy involving earlier biologic therapy can play a pivotal role in managing CRSwNP more efficiently. Embracing these new approaches is not just beneficial, but essential for improving the quality of life for our patients," said Dr. Yvonne Chan. "CRSwNP and asthma often coexist, share underlying mechanisms and influence each other's severity and management. This study is a critical step forward in understanding the treatment landscape for CRSwNP. It shows how vital it is to reduce our dependence on OCS and to find more sustainable and effective treatments. Ultimately, this could mean better health and quality of life for patients," said Jeffrey Beach, President & CEO, Asthma Canada. "As a leader in respiratory health, GSK remains committed to be at the forefront of the fight against respiratory disease. The ACTIONS study further underscores this dedication by providing valuable insights, fostering scientific and research excellence, and driving innovation," added Dr. Michelle Horn, Country Medical Director, GSK Canada. About CRSwNP CRSwNP is caused by inflammation of the nasal lining that can lead to soft tissue growths, known as nasal polyps. 3,6 People with CRSwNP experience symptoms such as nasal obstruction, loss of smell, facial pain, sleep disturbance, infections and nasal discharge that can significantly affect their emotional and physical well-being. 1,6,10-11 IL-5 is a key cytokine (protein) in type 2 inflammation characterized by eosinophils (a type of white blood cell), which is present in up to 85% of people with CRSwNP. 1,6,10,11 IL-5 and eosinophils are frequently found in high concentrations in sinus and nasal polyp tissue of patients with CRSwNP and are associated with more severe disease. 13-19 About OCS Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are systemic anti-inflammatory medications used to manage inflammatory conditions, including respiratory diseases, and allergic reactions. Unlike inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), which target the lungs directly, and intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) which target the nasal airways, OCS are ingested and distributed throughout the body. Common types include prednisone, methylprednisolone, and hydrocortisone. The use of OCS, including in repeated short bursts, can lead to significant health risks. The wide range of adverse effects associated with OCS include increased risk of infection and cardiovascular events, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, weight gain, and mood and behaviour disturbances. 20 In the ACTIONS study, overexposure to OCS is defined as total yearly dose of OCS ≥1,000 mg given that the risk of adverse effects significantly increases once a patient receives a cumulative lifetime exposure of 1000mg of OCS. 20 About GSK in respiratory GSK continues to build on decades of pioneering work to deliver more ambitious treatment goals, develop the next generation standard of care, and redefine the future of respiratory medicine for hundreds of millions of people with respiratory diseases. With an industry-leading respiratory portfolio and pipeline of vaccines, targeted biologics and inhaled medicines, we are focused on improving outcomes and the lives of people living with all types of asthma and COPD along with less understood refractory chronic cough or rarer conditions like systemic sclerosis with interstitial lung disease. GSK is harnessing the latest science and technology with the aim of modifying the underlying disease dysfunction and preventing progression. About GSK GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at References SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
CBC
12-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
She died of an asthma attack 1 year ago — now, her mom is speaking out to help others
Every year, 300 people in Canada lose their lives to asthma: Asthma Canada CEO Caption: Kimberly Couvillon stands next to the memorial set up at George Avenue Park in memory of her 14-year-old daughter. (Katerina Georgieva/CBC) Whenever Kimberly Couvillon wants to feel close to her daughter, she visits Windsor's George Avenue Park. By the parking lot, there's a memorial: flowers and images of 14-year-old Amber Marie McCollom. It was at that park, nearly one year ago, that McCollom had an asthma attack that claimed her life. "No parent should ever have to live through this kind of loss," Couvillon said. She described her daughter, one of five children, as a "little fireball" with so much energy. She loved dancing and singing and ran track-and-field. A 'scary' diagnosis "Her asthma limited her to the 100-metre-dash, but she was one of the fastest in her class," she said. "She wanted to help people. She wanted to be a social worker." Amber, was first diagnosed with asthma when she was just three years old when she had a severe attack that landed her in hospital. "It was scary," Couvillon recalled. After that, she would end up in the emergency room about once a year, but Couvillon said that in recent years it seemed like things were getting under control. A tragic day in June In June 2024, Couvillon's worst nightmare played out. On June 2, the last thing Amber said to her mom was "I love you" before meeting up with friends at George Avenue Park. It was there that she suffered a severe asthma attack. She had her inhaler, but it wasn't helping to get the attack under control. Her mother explained that she had needed Ventolin in that moment, which is used to increase air flow in the lungs. An ambulance was called, but Couvillon said the paramedics didn't arrive in time to get her that medication in time. Amber had gone into cardiac arrest. Couvillon received a call from paramedics while they were trying to get Amber's pulse back. They were able to do so after six minutes, but by then, the lack of oxygen had done irreparable harm to her brain. Amber was treated in hospital in the days that followed, and Couvillon held out hope that her daughter would come back to her. But tragically, on June 5th, Amber was pronounced dead due to lack of brain activity. Amber's organs were donated, and saved multiple lives. "She would have wanted that. That was her thing. She always wanted to help people, so she saved two children with her kidneys, a 30-year-old woman with her liver and a 60-year-old man with her heart, and her pancreas was donated to research," Couvillon said. "It makes me feel good because there's people out there that are living and they're not feeling what I'm feeling," she said through tears. Couvillon said she's sharing her story now she doesn't want other families to experience this kind of tragedy. 300 people die to asthma every year "People don't understand how severe asthma can be," she said. "People don't realize it can be deadly." She hopes for better education and better treatments for people living with asthma. Jeffrey Beach, the president and CEO for Asthma Canada, explained that statistics show that around 300 people annually in Canada lose their lives to asthma. "We want people to know that they may not be taking their asthma as seriously as they should be," he said, encouraging anyone with asthma to go to the Asthma Canada website and access the supports available to help them there. He encourages individuals to evaluate their management of their asthma and speak with their doctor. The organization also free access to a certified respiratory educator. He added that an estimated 50 per cent of people living with asthma do not have their condition optimally controlled, which can lead to "devastating" consequences, he said. Looking back, there were a number of things that had piled on in the lead up to Amber's death, Couvillon reflected. Just days before, they had taken Amber to see her doctor and they were told that her breathing wasn't doing very well, and so the doctor had switched to a new puffer medication. On top of that, Amber also suffered from allergies that made matters worse, and later, at the hospital, Couvillon found out that she had also had a viral infection they had been unaware of. Furthermore, Amber had also been vaping. Couvillon had tried to stop her from doing it, but with no luck. "You need to protect your lungs," Couvillon said, "especially having asthma." A bench in Amber's honour To honour her daughter's memory the family did a balloon release at the park on her birthday on December 2, and they plan on doing another one on the first anniversary of her death this coming June. They are also holding two fundraisers in the coming weeks to raise $5,000 for a permanent bench for the park in Amber's memory. The bench will also display a QR Code that directs people to Amber's story along with information about how to care for asthma. If there's any money left over, that will go to Asthma Canada in Amber's memory. As for how the family is coping now in the aftermath of the loss, Couvillon said they pull together, adding that she finds talking about it is helpful. "She was just an awesome person. She had so much potential to do so much good, and she wanted to do good, she wanted to help people. And I really want people to take asthma more serious. Because it is — asthma is serious," Couvillon said. "I just miss her so much. I really, really do."
