Christine Moffatt, a librarian at Sheridan College’s Trafalgar campus in Oakville, understands the importance of self-advocacy for individuals living with asthma all too well.

Growing up, no one in Christine’s immediate family had ever suffered from asthma, although her brother battled with quite severe allergies.

Christine’s journey with asthma began subtly during her high school years in the early 2000s. She developed seasonal allergies in grade nine, and experienced alarming episodes of extreme shortness of breath. Despite consulting her doctor, her condition was downplayed, and she was reassured not to be concerned.

In 2016, an illness during the winter months further complicated Christine’s health. Despite receiving antibiotics, her underlying asthma remained undiagnosed and untreated. The pivotal moment arrived in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic when Christine contracted the virus and faced persistent shortness of breath. Finally, after advocating persistently and changing doctors, she received the asthma diagnosis she had long suspected.

“I was frustrated and scared, but ultimately disappointed. After my COVID infection, it took four appointments and a altercation with my previous family doctor to get a referral to a respirologist and access to proper testing. But, that’s the thing—when you’re an adult, doctors don’t think to test for asthma.”

Christine would endure additional frustrating delays including a two-month waiting list to see a respirologist when her condition was at its worst.

She recalls instances right after being diagnosed where healthcare providers were surprised to learn of her recent diagnosis.

“I had emergency room doctors asking me what treatment I needed for my asthma. I was like, ‘I’m new to this! I was diagnosed eight months ago.’ Even now, I have to be clear that I didn’t grow up with asthma and I’m still learning.”

Despite Christine’s many hurdles in receiving her diagnosis, she has persevered and achieved good control over her asthma.

Her journey toward control wasn’t easy; after finally being diagnosed, it took 10 months of adjustment and learning to manage her condition effectively. She credits resources from Asthma Canada, in particular their Asthma Action Plan, Red & Yellow Flags campaign and their Asthma Control Quiz, consultations with the Asthma Education Centre at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, support from online groups, and her own research for her current stability.

Christine’s journey underscores the importance of persistence and proactive self-advocacy in managing chronic conditions effectively.

Christine’s cat, Aussie, also recently received an asthma diagnosis.

“I was diagnosed with asthma in March 2022, and my partner, Paul, and I adopted a cat in October 2022. Our cat had an unusual cough that I caught on video, and we took him to the vet. It turns out he has asthma too. He was diagnosed by December 2022— frustratingly, faster than I was diagnosed myself.”

“Training a cat to use an inhaler is tricky, but we’re both doing really well now.”

If you have questions on managing your asthma and allergies during wildfire season, please contact our free HelpLine at 1-866-787-4050 or info@asthma.ca. Our team of asthma and allergy experts will happily assist you with your asthma control and help put your mind at ease.