10/26/2026
Arghyo Deb, a 15-year-old from Ottawa, has lived with asthma since he was a baby. Today, he is a soccer player who has learned to manage his asthma while staying active.
“When I was younger, my asthma was really difficult to manage. I would struggle to breathe, and my parents would have to take me to the hospital and get advice from doctors.”
Growing up in Calgary, wildfire smoke often made it harder for Arghyo to breathe. After moving to Ottawa at around nine years old, he gradually noticed his asthma symptoms improving.
Today, although his asthma is much better controlled, he still needs to pay attention to his breathing, particularly when playing competitive soccer or taking part in high-intensity activities.
“I’m a competitive soccer player and I play around Ottawa. My asthma is much better controlled now, but I still have to pay attention to my body.”
Arghyo has also seen how asthma stigma can affect young people, including teammates who use inhalers. He believes having asthma should never mean being treated differently or being made to feel less capable.
“Having asthma doesn’t mean you can’t do things or that you should be treated differently.”
Arghyo hopes sharing his experience will help raise awareness of asthma and how serious it can be. Having attended the Rudhro Prince Memorial Walk with his family each September, he understands the importance of recognizing the impact asthma can have on people’s lives.
His story is a reminder that asthma can affect everyone differently. Even when symptoms improve, asthma can still require ongoing management and attention. 💙
