Childhood asthma

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Imagine gasping for air—as though you were drowning. That's how asthmatics feel when suffering from an attack, usually triggered by respiratory viral infections, seasonal pollens, dust, tobacco smoke, pets or moulds. The airways become inflamed and limit the ability to breathe.

The rate of diagnosed asthma among children under 15 has increased from 2.5% in 1978–79 to 11.2% in 1994–95. The Atlantic region has a significantly higher incidence of childhood asthma (14%), which could be the result of differences in health care, exposure to environmental pollution (including automotive exhaust), or a genetic predisposition due to early settlement patterns.

Some asthma attacks are preventable. A study in Quebec noted that although attacks in 47% of school-aged asthmatic children were triggered by exposure to pets, over half of these children nonetheless had a pet at home.

Modern treatment, such as anti-inflammatory therapy, and careful management can allow children to function at near-normal levels.