E29. Asthma Care in Canada with Jenna Reynolds: Challenges, Access Gaps, and the Future of Treatment

In this episode of Beyond the Wheeze, I sit down with Jenna Reynolds, Vice President of Mission, Advocacy, and Research at Asthma Canada, to talk about the real gaps in asthma care across the country and what meaningful progress could look like. From diagnosis challenges to medication access, education, and environmental impacts, this conversation explores how systems, policy, and lived experience intersect — and why better coordination could change outcomes for millions of Canadians.We also discuss the role of advocacy, why education must be treated as essential treatment, and how organizations like Asthma Canada are working to make care more equitable and proactive rather than crisis-driven.What we discuss in this episode:• Why asthma is still underestimated despite affecting millions of Canadians• The gaps in diagnosis, follow-up care, and patient education• How geography, income, and community resources shape asthma outcomes• The impact of medication cost and formulary access on patient health• The growing influence of environmental factors like air quality and wildfires• Why integrated, team-based care could redefine asthma management in CanadaResources mentioned in this episode:Asthma Canada: https://asthma.caAsthma Canada helpline and support resources: https://asthma.ca/get-help/If you or someone you care about lives with asthma, these resources can help you better understand the condition, access support, and advocate for improved care.Chapters:00:30 Welcome + What You’ll Learn About Asthma Care in Canada01:23 Jenna Reynolds’ Personal ‘Why’ Behind Asthma Advocacy02:24 The Pattern Asthma Canada Hears Most: ‘It’s Just My Asthma’03:07 Reality Check: What’s Broken in Asthma Care Right Now05:30 Spotting the System Gaps: Red Flags & What to Do Next06:37 Diagnosis Done Right: Spirometry, Misdiagnosis, and the Domino Effect07:48 Follow-Up & Ongoing Management: Beyond the First Inhaler09:29 Who Gets Left Behind: Income, Rural Access, and Indigenous Health Gaps11:13 Education That Changes Outcomes: 3 Things Everyone Should Know13:25 Inhaler Technique & Action Plans: What ‘Good Education’ Includes15:13 Asthma at School: Policies, Training, and Ryan’s Law16:57 Medication Costs & Coverage: How Affordability Drives Outcomes19:33 When Controllers Aren’t Affordable + Making Biologics Accessible21:34 The Ideal Asthma Care Pathway (and What’s Realistic in 5–10 Years)25:02 Myth vs Reality: Common Misconceptions That Put People at Risk26:38 3 Things Patients Can Do This Week to Improve Control28:26 Caregivers’ Checklist: Protecting and Supporting Kids with Asthma29:43 Self-Advocacy Without Burnout: Being Heard in the System31:09 Environment & Climate: Wildfires, Air Quality, and Asthma Canada’s WorkConnect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze):Check us out on InstagramFollow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedInConnect with us on TikTokFollow us on FacebookSpeaking services, media, blog & news on our websiteEmail Josh directly at [email protected] video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube!Visit Asthma Canada, or the Lung Health Foundation, to see how you can get involved today.