Mr. Speaker, I am an asthmatic, so I am especially pleased to inform the House that today is World Asthma Day and May is National Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease, and asthma and allergies are often closely linked. Some 2.2 million Canadians over the age of 11 have asthma, and 8.4 million report that they have allergies. These problems are on the rise. Asthma rates are increasing, alarmingly so, especially among adult women and children. Asthma and allergies can cause daily suffering and, if not controlled, can cause time away from school and work and, in severe cases, can prove fatal.
Health Canada monitors asthma and allergies and is a member of the Canadian Network for Asthma Care. Environment Canada is working to improve the quality of indoor and outdoor air, which is a major contributor to asthma and allergies.
Understanding the nature of these diseases, public education, prevention and early diagnosis and treatment can decrease the severity of the disease. Breathing is not so simple after all, at least not for some of us.