Editor:
In the Kisses and Kicks column in last week’s Coast Reporter, two posts reprimanded people who do not wear face masks. One of the posts said to “follow Dr. Bonnie’s instructions.” As a matter of fact, Dr. Bonnie Henry herself said, long ago, that people with asthma should not wear masks.
Theresa Tam, Canada’s national chief public health officer has said: “Don’t judge those not wearing a face mask – they may be asthmatic.”
Asthma Canada president Vanessa Foran says that simply wearing a mask could create risk of an asthma attack. She said if a mask inhibits the ability of someone to breathe in any way, it’s recommended to not wear one. “Wearing masks means breathing hot and humid air, so that can trigger asthma symptoms.”
I suffer from asthma and I find it difficult to breathe with a mask on. I am careful to keep social distancing and to use hand sanitizer at every opportunity if I need to go out in public to shop. For most of my necessary appointments, I am not required to wear a mask. But at a couple of places masks are mandatory, and this is unpleasant for me and stressful – stress in itself is an asthma trigger. So normally I do not wear a mask, but it is not because I am being wilfully irresponsible.
Cecilia Ohm-Eriksen, Sechelt
