In Mississauga, Ontario, Toni Pellegrino, a dedicated mother, has been on a challenging journey with her six-year-old son, Elias, who is living with asthma. Their family’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and the importance of timely and proper diagnosis.

Elias’s battle with asthma began in infancy. Toni recalls the first alarming episode of severe coughing, which led to a misdiagnosis of pneumonia.

“It was an extremely scary experience for the whole family – he needed a lot of oxygen.”

Despite repeated visits to the hospital, where Elias was diagnosed with croup and other conditions, he was not prescribed the necessary medication due to differing medical opinions. It wasn’t until a significant hospital stay just before the COVID-19 pandemic that they met a new pediatrician who started Elias on the correct asthma management plan. This turning point brought a better treatment approach.

Initially, Elias struggled with using his inhalers.

“In the beginning, it was extremely challenging time for us. Elias wouldn’t take his puffer [rescue inhaler]. But we worked hard to get him used to it and thankfully today, this is no longer an issue.”

The onset of COVID-19 added another layer of complexity, with Elias contracting the virus in 2022, leading to pneumonia and hospitalization. However, their proactive pediatrician provided timely advice and treatment adjustments, which were crucial in Elias’ recovery.

Toni and her husband’s advocacy for Elias didn’t stop at finding the right pediatrician. She sought a respirologist and, more recently, an allergist, ensuring a holistic approach to his asthma care.

Elias now follows a tailored plan involving daily controller medication, regular consultations with specialists and avoiding his asthma triggers where possible which include cold air.

“We know Elias’ asthma is triggered by the cold, so instead of participating in sports where he is exposed to cold air, such as ice skating, he’s instead playing T-ball. He’s been great. He doesn’t have any episodes when it’s hot and humid.”

Navigating the school environment posed its own set of challenges. Toni highlights a critical issue: the need for schools to recognize asthma as the potentially life-threatening condition it is. Initially, Elias’ rescue inhaler was kept in the principal’s office.

“I didn’t know initially who I needed to talk to at school about Elias’ asthma. Do I go to his teacher or to his principal?

His rescue inhaler ended up being stored in the principal’s office. It wasn’t until one day when he had an asthma episode that they realized this is very serious and his rescue inhaler needs to be with him at all times. School staff need to be more aware of how serious of a condition asthma is.”

Asthma Canada has played an important role in providing valuable information and resources to Toni and Elias.

“Asthma Canada are really good too. Just the other day I saw an Instagram post about swimming with asthma. I didn’t know that cold waters could worsen asthma but I’m glad to have been made aware.”

Toni’s journey with Elias underscores the importance of persistence, informed advocacy, and support in managing asthma.

To help support parents and teachers keep kids with asthma safe when returning to school and throughout the school year, we’ve developed a Back-To-School with Asthma: Digital Pack for Parents & Teachers.

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.