The parents of a boy who lost his life after an asthma attack are hoping to raise awareness of the severity of the condition.
Malique Smith was diagnosed with severe asthma as a baby. His parents grew accustomed to the signs that it was acting up.
But Sunday night they say there were no signs.
“He stood up and he said, ‘I just don't feel good mommy,’ and he just dropped in front of her,” said father Greg Smith.
The eight-year-old boy died Monday at the IWK.
“I just find that you get a lot of that, 'Oh well, it's just asthma,’” said Smith. “A lot of people don't take it serious, (but) it could be potentially life-threatening.”
Malique's parents are hoping to change that mindset.
“Nobody really gets it,” said Malique's mother, Diana Hudson. “I think it's super important to get that message out there so that any parent that has a child with asthma is aware, fully aware of how serious it really is.”
Asthma can range from mild to severe. Pediatric allergist Dr. Mary McHenry says it's important to understand how to control it, which can be even more challenging in children.
“Important signs to look for would be, especially in younger children, in-drawing at their neck, meaning that they're trying to get more air into their lungs,” said Dr. McHenry. “Babies may have in-drawing at their ribs. They may change colour. They may look a little bit blue or grey.”
Malique's parents say he had an indescribable bond with his 10-year-old twin sisters. But he often said his mother was his "bestest" friend.
“He was the most sweetest, caring, loving, little boy. He had so many friends, and a big heart,” said Hudson.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kayla Hounsell.
