What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory (lung) condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. The lower airways of the lungs are surrounded by muscles and contain mucous glands. For people living with asthma, these airways are more sensitive to triggers, which can lead to airway narrowing.
Refer to the Understanding Asthma video for more information about asthma.
Asthma is common:
- Asthma is a prevalent medical condition in Canada, affecting over 4.6 million people across all age groups (Asthma Canada, 2023).
- 900,000 children under 19 live with asthma (Asthma Canada, 2023)
Asthma is limiting:
- Asthma causes stress in over 90% of people with asthma
- Over 50% experience embarrassment because of asthma
- Most (> 80%) experience limitations at school, home and other settings. (Asthma Canada, 2024)
- Asthma is a leading cause of school absences and emergency room visits among children (Asthma Canada, 2024)
References
Asthma Canada. (2023). Annual report 2023. Asthma.ca. Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://asthma.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2023-Annual-Reset.pdf
Asthma Canada. (2024). Asthma Canada’s National Survey: A Snapshot of Asthma in Canada 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2025, from https://asthma.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-National-Asthma-Survey-Findings-_-Asthma-Canada.pdf
Asthma Canada. (2024). Asthma at school. Asthma.ca. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://asthma.ca/get-help/asthma-in-children/asthma-at-school/
