Asthma on the rise in Ontario

A new study led by Sunnybrook researcher and respirologist, Dr. Andrea Gershon and SickKids researcher, Dr. Teresa To, suggests that there has been a startling increase in the number of people living with asthma in Ontario since 1996.

Using a validated definition of asthma, Drs. Gershon and To found that between 1996 and 2005, the number of Ontarians with asthma increased by 70.5%.

While the number of new adults who developed asthma was relatively stable, the number of children who developed asthma during this time increased by about 30%.

"Such a dramatic increase, especially in children, is concerning. We need to do more research to determine why it is occurring and how it can be reversed," explains Gershon.

"The increase in asthma could be partly attributed to early recognition of the disease which is important as it will lead to better treatment and understanding," To adds.

The authors indicate that the high burden of asthma could be mitigated by effective clinical and public health strategies to prevent and manage asthma in the population. This includes measures such as ensuring individuals with asthma receive asthma education, understand asthma triggers and symptoms and take asthma medications.

Says To, "Proper management of asthma is key to prevent the potentially huge burden on individuals, on families, on communities and on the health care system."

The study was supported by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's  Asthma Plan of Action.

The results of the study are published in the September 2010 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.